A Newry man who is accused of stabbing his son over Father’s Day weekend has been released on bail.
Court heard that the 56-year-old’s son had not been fit to make a statement at the time and had since made it known he did not wish to make one.
Brian Kevin O’Connor, of North Street, appeared charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of Class B at Newry Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn on Monday, via videolink from police custody.
Defence solicitor Gerard Trainor informed the court that a bail application, which was opposed by police, was being made on the defendant’s behalf.
A constable outlined that on Sunday morning, June 20, police were contacted by ambulance personnel who had attended a scene at North Street in Newry.
Police arrived and spoke to the victim in the back of the ambulance, and in bodycam footage he alleged that his father, the defendant, had stabbed him.
Officers arrested the O’Connor and during a search located herbal cannabis on his person.
When interviewed, O’Connor made no comment.
The constable stated that no initial statement was taken from the alleged injured party at the time due to his intoxication and he has since conveyed that he did not wish to make a statement.
Bail was opposed by police due to what they claimed was a risk of reoffending or interfering with witnesses.
It was heard that O’Connor had three previous convictions for common assault but he had no entries in his record since 1992.
Mr Trainor commented that the injured party lives “quite a few miles” away from his client in Newry.
He also stated that O’Connor’s home had shown signs of a struggle, which indicated a “fight had broken out”.
The solicitor concluded: “This is a man who has not been in trouble for quite a number of years; I would submit he is a suitable candidate for bail as the custody sergeant felt at the time.”
District Judge Amanda Brady stated: “I understand the police concerns but I have to weigh this all up. What are the chances that this will ever see the door of the court.
“There is no statement from the injured party, although there is body cam, but this is a man with nothing on his record since 1992.”
O’Connor was released on his own bail of £500, conditions of this include; to have no contact with the injured party, not to enter Warrenpoint and to not consume alcohol in a public place.
The case was adjourned to July 22.
