Matthew Dickson (26) was charged with sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration.
Standing handcuffed and with his head bowed in the dock of Newtownards Magistrates Court, 26-year-old Matthew Dickson confirmed his identity and that he understood each of the two charges against him.
Dickson, from Spelga Place in Ards, was charged with sexual assault and sexual assault by penetration, arising from a single incident on 25 August this year.
Giving evidence to the court, Detective Constable Elwood said she believed she could connect Dickson to each of the charges, adding that police were objecting to bail as the defendant does not have a suitable bail address.
Matthew Dickson.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – August 26th
The court heard there are also “concerns in relation to his safety if he is granted bail.”
The officer told the court that according to the police case, the 59-year-old victim was getting into her parked car at Talbot Street in the town when she was approached by a male, described as having black curly hair in a bun, jeans, dark hoodie and a backpack.
This male, DC Elwood said, “wrestled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her by putting his hand up her top and touching both breasts” and also by touching her genitals.
The male ran off and after Dickson was “detained by members of the public,” officers were able to arrest him.
During initial police interviews, Dickson “gave no comment” responses but when several witness statements were put to him, the 26-year-old “somewhat admitted them.”
The officer added that at a later stage in the interview process, Dickson “said that he wanted to admit the charges but he was not able to explain to police how or why this came about”.
In applying for bail, defence counsel Conor Holmes told District Judge Mark Hamill several times that “I have serious reservations” about Dickson’s mental state and capabilities.
Revealing that Dickson has no record and is employed, the barrister conceded there are concerns about the defendant’s safety should bail be granted but he asked the judge that if bail is refused, to order a mental health assessment while he is on remand.
The judge refused bail due to risk of further offences.
Remanding Dickson into custody and adjourning the case to 17 September, Judge Hamill also ordered the defendant to be psychiatrically assessed.