A 32-year-old man from Derry has been brought before the Magistrates Court on charges of sexually and physically assaulting a woman in an alleyway. The accused, Emmett Deehan, denies the allegations of sexually assaulting the woman in her 50s through digital penetration and causing grievous bodily harm to her. The incident is said to have occurred in the Brandywell area of the city on a Sunday morning, where the woman was approached by an unknown man, pulled into an alleyway, and subjected to a violent attack. The victim sustained serious injuries and required hospital treatment, but managed to raise the alarm and escape from her attacker.
During the court hearing, the defendant, who has a history of criminal convictions, remained silent when the charges were read out. The prosecution stated that they have CCTV footage as primary evidence in the case, but Mr. Deehan denies being the person shown in the video. The defense lawyer emphasized the importance of forensic evidence in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Given the severity of the charges and the lack of a suitable bail address, no bail application was made, and the defendant was remanded in custody until the next hearing scheduled for November 21. The police constable involved in the case expressed confidence in connecting the defendant to the charges, while the defense lawyer maintained his client’s innocence and highlighted the need for conclusive forensic evidence.
The community has been shocked by the brutality of the attack, and the police have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. The safety of women in public spaces remains a concern, and authorities are working to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. The victim’s courage in seeking help and escaping from her assailant is commendable, and she is receiving support to recover from the traumatic experience.
It is essential for the community to stand together against such acts of violence and to support the authorities in their efforts to maintain safety and security for all residents. By remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities, we can help prevent such incidents from happening in the future and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.