COURT GRILLS DUNGANNON MAN FOR SHOCKING DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN STRABANE

A 35-year-old man named Longuinhos Lopes has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend, whom he punched six times in the face after she refused to give him money to buy more alcohol. The incident occurred on July 3, and photographs of the injuries he caused were described as “shocking” during his court appearance. Lopes appeared via videolink from Dungannon PSNI custody at Strabane Magistrates Court, where he confirmed he understood the charges against him. The court was told that Lopes’s partner had reported the assault on July 4, after seeing his injuries. She stated that Lopes, who had been drinking alcohol at his home, asked her for money to buy more drinks. When she questioned whether there was a need for more alcohol, Lopes reacted violently, pushing her onto the bed and punching her six times in the face. Police observed that she had significant swelling on her forehead, and photographs taken in court captured her injuries. Lopes admitted to the assault, explaining he believed she was cheating on him and that he asked her for money because he thought alcohol helped him sleep. The police reports indicated Lopes had no prior convictions or incidents of domestic abuse. Lopes’s solicitor argued that the injuries might appear worse due to a facial deformity Lopes has from birth, but acknowledged the severity of the charge was not to be reduced. Lopes lived less than a mile from the victim but lacked an appropriate bail address, so he was granted bail of £250 with conditions, including staying away from the victim and abstaining from alcohol. The case was adjourned until August 2 at Dungannon Magistrates Court.