A Banbridge man who is accused of assaulting his uncle and ripping his T-shirt has been granted bail despite being unable to provide an address.
The 27-year-old’s barrister told court: “The only address that is available to him is with the injured party. That is not an option not only because of this case but also due to counter allegations.”
Aiden McCartan, of no fixed abode, appeared charged with criminal damage, common assault, possession of Class B and three counts of possession of Class C at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Tuesday.
As the charges were read, it was heard the offences were all alleged to have occurred on July 5, of this year.
The criminal damage was in relation to a T-shirt, with the drugs being named as cannabis, gabapentin, diazepam, quetiapine and pregabalin.
Appearing via videolink from police custody, the accused confirmed that he understood the charges and was connected to these by a constable.
Defence barrister David McKeown made no questions to this connection and informed the court that a bail application would be made on McCartan’s behalf.
The constable revealed that the alleged injured party in this case was the defendant’s uncle and confirmed there had been a previous assault on the same complainant.
However, they submitted that there would be no objections to bail if suitable accommodation was available.
Mr McKeown stated: “The only address that is available to him is with the injured party. That is not an option not only because of this case but also due to counter allegations.
“His only option is to declare himself homeless and obtain an address from the Housing Executive but to do that he would need to be released first.”
District Judge Mark McGarrity granted the defendant his own bail of £500, with conditions to have no contact with the alleged injured party along with prohibitions on alcohol and non-prescription drugs.
The case was adjourned until August 4 for an update.
