James Clarke sought a curfew change to work as a delivery driver. He faces charges including threats against his ex-partner but the court said no.
James Samuel Clarke wanted his curfew changed. His lawyer asked the Belfast Crown Court. Clarke faces five charges from February 16, 2024, and lives on Edenvale Crescent in Belfast.
A prosecutor said the crimes happened soon after Clarke’s prison release for something else. The charges include making death threats, assaulting police, and impeding the police.
His lawyer said the curfew change helps him work two nights a week as a delivery driver. This would “make use of his time.” Clarke spent months in jail and got bail in September, following the rules since with “no issues with bail.”
His case faced delays due to lawyer strikes. A prosecutor opposed the change, noting the charges occurred “in the evening” with “intoxication as a factor.” He went to his ex-partner’s home, banged on windows, and made threats to her, her dad, and her sister.
The prosecutor stated Clarke acted “violent and aggressive” during arrest and “out of control through drink.” Police fear the offenses will happen again if the court extends his allowed time. Clarke has 45 past convictions and broke bail before in 2020, damaging his curfew tag then.
Judge Kerr denied the change, calling the February crimes “domestic.” He argued the change could let him deliver near his ex-partner and wants this case resolved quickly.
