A man who was accused of attempted murder and spent over a year on remand will be released following news that the matter for which he appeared is to be withdrawn.
The district judge commented: “This has been a very lengthy matter and the Crown had decided to withdraw the case.”
Mantas Pilyponis, 27, of Lonsdale Road, Armagh appeared charged with attempted murder at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he was produced via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution stated: “The directing officer in the case has made the decision to withdraw the matter to proceed by way of a report.”
District Judge Paul Copeland said: “This has been a very lengthy matter and the Crown had decided to withdraw the case.
“I will mark the charge against him as withdrawn and direct for him to be released, granted that he is not on remand for any other offences.”
Prosection confirmed that they were not aware of any other matters for which Pilyponis was on remand.
Judge Copeland stated: “This matter is to proceed by way of a report, the matter is withdrawn by the Crown and this is endorsed by the court.
“There is no requirement for the retention of this defendant on these matters.”
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