A Belfast man facing charges of wounding and possessing a knife was refused bail today (Monday).
Conor James Emmanuel Wylie - who has breached bail on previous occasions - was deemed as an unsuitable for release by Judge Sandra Crawford. Prior to reaching her decision, Judge Crawford was addressed by both a solicitor representing Wylie and a Crown barrister.
From Divis Tower in the west of the city, the 45-year old father-of-two is currently facing two charges dating back to November 2023 - namely unlawfully and maliciously wounding a man and possessing an offensive weapon.
Launching the bid for bail at Belfast Crown Court, Wylie’s solicitor accepted this was a “very difficult application” as her client had breached bail in the past.
She told Judge Crawford that Wylie “now sees the consequences” of breaching bail and that he is finding his time in custody “difficult”. This, the solicitor said, including spending the Christmas period separated from his partner, children and elderly parents.
Saying Wylie - who appeared at today’s hearing via a videolink from HMP Maghaberry - is suffering from PTSD and “ongoing mental health difficulties,” his solicitor added that he is now on a waiting list for counselling regarding his issues with alcohol.
She also pointed out that due to the ongoing industrial action by barristers in a dispute over Legal Aid which is affecting Crown Courts, the date for a trial is “probably likely to be some months away”.
Urging the court to grant Wylie “a final indulgence” by granting him bail, the solicitor said her client was willing to comply with any conditions imposed. Judge Crawford was then addressed by a Crown barrister who said Wylie’s release was being opposed by the PSNI.
He said: “The police’s grave concern is the risk of further offending fuelled by alcohol, particularly in the course of driving.”
Highlighting Wylie’s breaches of bail in the past, the Crown barrister spoke of the two offences dating back to November 2023 which Wylie faces.
The barrister said they were linked to a domestic dispute with his partner and that the alleged male victim “intervened” as he was concerned about Wylie’s partner.
This male - who was unknown to Wylie - was, according to the Crown barrister, “viciously attacked by this defendant” on a footpath which the prosecutor said “speaks to an instability in the defendant’s life”.
The Crown barrister said that alcohol was a feature of Wylie’s prior breaches of bail which he said caused concerns for the safety of both Wylie’s partner and members of the public.
Saying Wylie has got behind the wheel whilst over the limit and as a disqualified driver, the Crown barrister said he didn’t think any bail condition could manage the risk Wylie posed.
After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Judge Crawford said it was her view that Wylie “has been given every opportunity to mend his ways” but has breached bail on four occasions.
She added that whilst Wylie has had time to “reflect on a period of stability” whilst in custody, this was set against an “extremely concerning background” of “violent encounters” with his partner.
Judge Crawford also spoke of Wylie’s “wanton failure to have any regard to the safety of members of the public by his repeated drinking and driving”.
Refusing the application to release Wylie on bail, the Judge said she was not convinced that the risks posed by Wylie “could be adequately and appropriately managed”. She then re-listed the case for arraignment on March 7.
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