02/09/2008

Suspect Bailed On GBH Charges

Charges of grievous bodily harm with intent have been heard in court today as a local beauty therapy student, Jamie Louise Ward, 25, of no fixed address, appeared before magistrates.

She was released on bail despite a detective's opposition because of claims there may be reprisals in the area if the suspect was freed.

Ms Ward was arrested after a woman suffered serious head injuries in an alleged attack in west Belfast in the early hours of Monday.

Meanwhile, the victim of another brutal weekend attack remains in critical condition in hospital as three men arrested by police investigating the incident at the weekend in Co Londonderry are questioned.

This follows an alleged assault at Bannfield Road in Coleraine in the early hours of Sunday morning, which left the 29-year-old male victim 'critical' in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.

Yesterday, the local police said that a number of men visited Coleraine hospital at about 3am to check on the injured man's condition - after the victim was initially taken there - and had appealed for these people to come forward.

Also on Monday, the UUP East Londonderry Assembly Member David McClarty condemned the assault: "This attack is sickening and distressing. The vicious nature of this incident is abhorred by every right thinking person."

Meanwhile, in other court news, a teenager who kicked an ambulance driver in the stomach has been ordered to pay him £500 compensation.

Londonderry Magistrates court heard that the driver was responding to a call at Gary Sean McGuinness's home in Slievemore Park when the 18-year-old attacked him on 7 December 2007.

The teenager also admitted disorderly behaviour at Altnagelvin hospital's A&E.

(BMcC)

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