A Belfast man allegedly raped and struck a woman with a hammer as part of a series of violent attacks, a court heard today.

The 34-year-old defendant, who is not being identified, is also accused of slicing her with a knife and brandishing a lighter as another form of weapon.

He faces a total of 13 charges related to “multiple” alleged assaults at a property in the city over a five-day period last month. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the woman claimed in one incident he held her against a wall by the neck and used a kitchen knife to inflict lacerations.

“She also alleged he was in possession of a hammer and hit her with it, holding it to her face and verbally threatening her,” an investigating detective said.

At one stage he punched her in the jaw before grabbing and slamming her onto the floor, it was claimed. The woman told police the accused had smashed her phone after carrying out checks on the device.

“She has also made an allegation of rape against the defendant,” the detective added.

“She was in fear of further violence from him so ultimately had sex with him due to this.”

An application for bail was opposed amid claims the defendant knew police were seeking him but provided a false name when ultimately located.

He faces charges of rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, three counts of possessing an offensive weapon with intent, criminal damage, obstructing police and disorderly behaviour. The alleged attacks were carried out over a period between May 9 to May 13.

Defence lawyer Ciaran Toner argued there is no formal interview or complaint to support some of the woman’s claims.

“She has a history of making allegations of rape against other people,” the solicitor submitted.

According to the defendant’s version of events, the woman started acting erratically and inflicted injuries on herself during an encounter between the pair.

Bail was refused, however, due to concerns about potential re-offending and interference with the complainant. District Judge Steven Keown ruled: “There are multiple and serious allegations… in my view the risk is unmanageable.”

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