https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-man-accused-biting-part-21237302A Belfast man accused of biting part of a taxi driver’s ear off was granted bail on Thursday.
Jonathan Gerard Turley was released by Judge Paul Ramsey QC.
Stringent bail conditions were imposed at Belfast Crown Court on the 39-year old, who is awaiting trial for the ear-biting incident.
From Windsor Park, Turley is accused of, and denies, wounding a taxi driver with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.
A Crown prosecutor said Turley was linked to the September 2014 incident by DNA found on part of the taxi driver’s ear which was bitten off and located in the wounded man’s vehicle.
Kate McKay said: “This taxi driver was an innocent man carrying out his work when he was subjected to this violent offence.”
Ms McKay told Judge Ramsey the Crown was opposing bail for a number of reasons, including concerns Turley could flee.
Revealing the accused had previously fled the jurisdiction whilst on bail, Ms McKay cited Crown concerns about Turley interfering with witnesses, as well as re-offending, if released on bail.
Defence barrister Sean Devine addressed the DNA issue. Branding this as “only partial DNA recovered from a public vehicle”, Mr Devine said there was no other evidence linking his client to the incident.
Turley’s barrister said he would adhere to any conditions imposed ahead of his trial.
After listening to submissions from both the Crown and defence, Judge Ramsey said that with “some hesitation”, he was prepared to grant the bail application.
Turley was released on his own bail of £500, he will be tagged and he was ordered to report to police daily, adhere to a 9pm to 7am curfew and surrender his passport.
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