An attempt was made “to drown” a resident of an Armagh hostel after three men allegedly broke into his room, it has been claimed in the High Court.
Details of the alleged incident emerged as one of three accused was seeking compassionate bail to visit his elderly grandmother, who is in her 90s.
Thirty-eight-year-old John Doran faces three separate charges of burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, assault occasion actual bodily harm and making threats to kill a fellow resident of the hostel at Linenhall Street in the city.
A prosecutor told the High Court that the alleged victim had been forced back into his room after opening the door to investigate noises outside. It was claimed he was pinned to the bed, had been punched about the head and demands were made of him for drugs – referred to in court as ‘blues’.
The prosecutor said the alleged assault continued along with repeat demands after the resident said he “didn’t have any”.
It was claimed one of Doran’s co-accused pushed the hostel resident’s face into water and held it there for a time. He said the alleged victim would claim it had been an attempt “to drown him”.
Lord Justice Girvan refused the request for compassionate bail as he said he believed there was a risk accused would not comply with the conditions of release.
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