01/06/2026
Be careful this was sent into us
DOMESTIC ABUSER ACCUSED OF THROTTLING TEEN LOSES BID FOR BAIL
Judge refuses to release ‘high-risk’ woman be**er
24 May 2026
A “high-risk” domestic abuser accused of repeatedly trying to strangle a 16-year-old girl has been remanded in custody.
Cameron Withers (21) mounted a doomed bail application at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast earlier this month.
He is charged with two counts of non-fatal strangulation, two counts of assault, attempted theft of cash and domestic abuse.
Defence counsel said Withers had been on remand for six months and was applying for bail to care for his sick uncle.
They told the court an address had been put forward by his uncle because his mother was “not in a position to take him” and an address offered by his step-father was unsuitable.
Police expressed concerns over Withers being bailed to his uncle’s address because there had been reports of domestic abuse between them.
Defence counsel said there were no longer issues between the parties, and Withers had applied to become his uncle’s carer.
They added: “The hope will be that he will carry out caring duties while on bail. His uncle is unwell, and he wants to look after him.
“He has completed a domestic violence course and has sought independent assistance from probation.
“An offer of employment as a freelance chef has also been made, and he is working on progressing into further education.”
Objecting to bail, police told the court there had been “a number of domestic issues” between the parties and the defendant had a record for similar offences.
An officer said: “Cameron Withers reported being threatened with a hammer, with his uncle saying he had refused to leave the property. No action was taken.
VULNERABLE
“Cameron was suffering with his mental health at the time, and alternative accommodation was agreed.
“A further report was made where he had allegedly threatened to stab his uncle with a pair of scissors, although no complaint was ultimately made.
“His uncle is quite vulnerable and is at some risk from the defendant. We are also concerned about further offending. The victim in this case is a vulnerable 16-yearold girl, and he is a serial domestic offender who has two previous partners he has abused. He has restraining orders in respect of both.
“He is a high-risk domestic offender, and there is concern he represents a risk to others including family members.”
District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons said Withers’ solicitor had “done his best” to convince her to grant bail, but she deemed him an unsuitable candidate.
She added: “I don’t believe the address is suitable, and I am concerned about the risk of further offending. He has a serious record for domestic offences.”
Withers, of Ballyeaston Road in Ballyclare, was remanded in custody until a date can be fixed for the Crown Court