Belfast: Woman denied bail over alleged screwdriver attack
- Published
The man received medical treatment for puncture wounds in his torso
A woman who allegedly stabbed her boyfriend over accessing a mobile phone has been refused bail.
Jane Cousins, of Brae Hill Park in Belfast, appeared before the High Court on Wednesday on grievous bodily harm and criminal damage charges.
The 51-year-old is accused of causing two puncture wounds to the man's torso at her home on 20 December.
She denies the attack, claiming the man caused the injuries himself with a screwdriver.
Police attended the scene after the couple were reportedly fighting at the property.
A prosecution lawyer told the court a witness overheard the man shouting that he had been stabbed again.
He was seen lying on the steps moaning in pain. He was later taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment after being found near his own home.
Despite claiming at the scene Ms Cousins had attacked him, he is not submitting a formal statement of complaint.
Ms Cousins was arrested and charged after attending a police interview three days later.
'Tumultuous and fraught'
A defence lawyer told the court Ms Cousins had provided police with the full version of events, and described the pair's relationship as "incredibly tumultuous and fraught".
"There was an argument over the content of the phone," the barrister said.
"[The man] grabbed a screwdriver, threatened to stab her and then went through with stabbing himself.
"She left the property because she was in fear for her own safety."
However, the judge denied bail to Ms Cousins, citing a risk of further offences.
"I'm really concerned about any escalation and something happening which causes the injured party even more harm," the judge added.