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Woman accused of hitting ex-lover

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A woman took a taxi from Belfast to Newcastle to carry out an assault at the home of her former gay partner, the High Court has heard.

Patricia Murphy is accused of flouting a ban on entering the Co. Down town to seek out the woman with whom she was in a 24-year relationship.

The 48-year-old, of University Street, Belfast, allegedly hired the taxi despite having no money to pay for the trip.

She faces charges of criminal damage, assault, disorderly behaviour, breach of a non-molestation order and obtaining services by deception.

Her application for bail was refused due to the risk of any further offences being committed.

A prosecution lawyer said police were called to a flat in Newcastle on August 8 where Murphy's ex-partner was staying.

It was claimed that the accused had arrived there and been told she was not welcome, only to strike out at the woman with the palm of her hand.

Murphy is also alleged to have urinated in a cell after she was taken in police custody.

Her defence solicitor described his client as a chronic alcoholic who was in a long-term relationship with the alleged victim.

He told the court the woman had asked Murphy to come to Newcastle and offered to pay for the cost of the taxi.

Mr O'Kane stressed that any physical assault was denied.

He set out how it was disputed whether the relationship was over, and said Murphy's partner has now formed a new relationship.

"It seems (she) is going out with both these ladies at the same time," he told the court.

Refusing bail, Mr Justice Hart questioned whether any form of restraint on Murphy would be effective.

© UTV News

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