A Banbridge man accused of assaulting two healthcare workers at Daisy Hill Hospital earlier this year will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 58-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
James Dowie, of Cline Road, is charged with two counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
As the charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences were alleged to have occurred on May 15, of this year.
Dowie is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding one male and one female with intent to cause them grievous bodily harm.
He is further alleged to have been in possession of an offensive weapon, namely a Swiss army pen knife.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
Dowie was released on his own bail of £1,000, with a single condition of no contact with the injured parties, to appear before Newry Crown Court on October 12 for arraignment.
In making an application for two counsel for the Crown Court, Mr Halloran stated that two alleged injured parties were healthcare workers at Daisy Hill Hospital.
District Judge King granted one counsel, outlining that this issue could be advanced at the Crown Court.
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