Man in court after suspicious bag found in Coleraine

A man has appeared in court on domestic abuse charges after a bag containing several items was discovered in Coleraine.

The 40-year-old, whose name we are not publishing to protect the identity of the alleged victim, appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court via video link from Waterside Police Station Custody Suite on Monday.

He is accused of engaging in a behaviour that would cause a woman he was personally connected to, to suffer physical or psychological harm between September 2024 and 13 February 2025.

He is charged with false imprisonment, common assault and the theft of the same woman's keys and bank card in January 2025.

The man is also charged with the theft of an adult toy, possession of knives and hammers with intent to commit a sexual assault.

The prosecution confirmed further charges including the disclosure of a private sexual image or video to someone without consent and criminal damage to a door.

A police constable told the court he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

It follows the discovery of a bicycle and a bag containing cable ties, blue surgical gloves, a mask, an adult toy and condoms on the Strand Road, Coleraine on 13 February 2025.

Police were alerted after a homeowner found them next to their garage at the bottom of their garden.

There was no application for bail however a defence solicitor said his client contests all the matters outlined to the court.

The accused was remanded in custody for four weeks until 24 March 2025.