East Belfast man Granted Bail Despite Allegations of Violent Assaults on Woman and Animals
BELFAST, Northern Ireland - Cameron Pike, an East Belfast man, has been granted bail despite facing serious allegations including choking a woman, hitting a dog with a knife, and swinging a kitten against a refrigerator. the case, heard today by Mr Justice Horner, details a disturbing series of alleged events that prompted prosecution counsel Adrian Higgins to reveal Pike had previously threatened the complainant, stating, “I’m going to kill you in your sleep” after holding “a knife to the throat of the complainant.”
The granting of bail has drawn attention due to the severity of the accusations and the circumstances surrounding Pike’s potential rehabilitation. While details of the alleged assaults are deeply concerning, the court also heard that Pike has been offered a position as a car valeter, working five days a week. This advancement,coupled with the prospective employer’s past - previous convictions for drug offences acknowledged by Crown counsel – factored into Mr Justice Horner’s decision,who noted the employer “has gone straight,so to speak,” and “is obviously someone who may well be more likely to give somebody a chance to take an prospect.”
Defense counsel Kelly Doherty confirmed Pike’s address as Beersbridge Road. As conditions of his bail, Mr Justice Horner imposed a strict set of requirements, including residency at the stated address, a complete prohibition on alcohol consumption, a ban from entering Bangor, and no contact with either of the complainants. Pike will also be subject to a curfew enforced by electronic tagging and is mandated to seek assistance from his GP ”regarding his addictions and mental health.” Mr Justice Horner warned Pike that any breach of these conditions would result in his immediate return to prison until the conclusion of his case.
