According to police, Ryan Dobson, 26, allegedly became “irate”, dragging his pregnant girlfriend to the floor by her hair and repeatedly kicking her to the head and stomach
An “irate” man allegedly kicked and choked his heavily pregnant partner after she discovered he had been contacting sex workers, a court heard.
Ryan Dobson, 26, is accused of non-fatal strangulation by intentionally applying pressure to the woman’s throat, causing her actual bodily harm and attempting to cause the unborn baby to die. All of the offences are alleged to have been committed on 13 July, 2025.
He was refused bail on Friday after his alleged victim recorded a formal police statement. District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he was concerned about the risks of witness interference.
The judge told Craigavon Magistrates Court he was also concerned about the risk of Dobson committing further offences. Refusing to grant bail and remanding the suspect into custody, Judge Ranaghan emphasised that “if he misses the birth of his child, that ultimately, is his look-out and no one else’s”, BelfastLive reported.
When the defendant was first before the court a few days ago, a detective constable explained that around 4.30am on July 13, the woman had contacted police stating she was 35 weeks pregnant and had been assaulted by Dobson.
She told police that a few hours beforehand, she had found messages on his phone indicating he had been contacting sex workers. On confronting him however, Dobson allegedly became “irate”, dragging her to the floor by her hair and repeatedly kicking her to the head and stomach.
According to the police case, he grabbed her by the throat with such force that she struggled to breathe, the court heard. She showed officers who attended images of swelling and bruising to her cheek and eyes, and marks to her throat.
There was also blood about the bedroom where the alleged assault occurred. The officer told the court the woman was admitted to hospital for abdominal trauma, and is awaiting results to ascertain potential damage to the unborn baby.
In addition, because her face was so swollen, medics treated her for a suspected broken jaw. Dobson was arrested and during interview, he provided a pre-prepared statement claiming: “I am innocent. I was asleep when (partner) hit me.
“She saw something on my phone. I certainly didn’t hit her. I certainly didn’t try to harm my unborn baby. I do not want to make a statement against her. She is a good person.”
After reading that into the record, Dobson then refused to answer any questions. At that stage, the court heard while the woman has not yet provided a statement, her verbal account was captured on an officer’s bodyworn camera. Objecting to bail the detective confirmed there are no previous domestic abuse reports about Dobson, but concerns remain around the woman sustaining a serious blow to the stomach in the advanced stages of pregnancy, resulting in her being admitted to hospital in case of complications.
“More bruising and swelling has continued to come out which shows the force used on the vulnerable female,” he told the court. He added Dobson could give no explanation for the injuries apart from saying that he did not cause them.
“Police feel there is a risk of further offending towards the woman and her unborn child as well as potential interference,” said the detective. “We are concerned that no previous incidents, shows the woman may not have reported these, or if this is the first, it’s extremely serious.”
The detective added: “This woman remains in hospital. She has been through huge trauma and hasn’t had time to think about a statement. Police feel if the defendant is released there will be pressure put on her not to engage further.”
In court today on Friday, Detective Constable Howarth confirmed that a formal statement of complaint has been taken from the alleged victim.
Defence counsel Blaine Nugent told the court Dobson had instructed that “he would never intend to, or actually harm, the unborn child”. “Ultimately, he is going to miss the birth of his child because even if granted bail, there would obviously be a complete prohibition on contact,” Mr Nugent conceded, adding that Dobson’s family had gathered £2,000 to lodge as a cash surety.
Judge Ranaghan told Mr Nugent “you have done your best but when I heard this matter at a special sitting, I was concerned whether the complainant would commit to writing”. “She has done that,” said the judge, describing the alleged facts as “significantly serious”. “Now that statement has been made, there is a risk of witness interference and further offences as well so I’m refusing bail,” the judge ruled.
Remanding Dobson into custody, he adjourned the case to August 15.