Man claims ‘black magic’ in domestic abuse case

A man accused of raping, head-butting, and threatening his wife when he could not accept their marriage was over told gardaí someone had used “black magic” on their relationship.

The 42-year-old said he had been “cursed” in his native country by someone who wanted the relationship to end so he could marry their daughter.

The accused has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to rape, assault causing harm, and five counts of threats to kill or cause serious harm between May 24 and August 1, 2014. The jury heard he has already pleaded guilty to a count of assaulting his wife with a hammer in August 2014.