An Armagh man who is alleged to have cut his twin brother’s throat with a hunting knife has been denied bail.
Peter James Fields, 51, of Brookhill Crescent, appeared charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The court heard that on Saturday past, at around 7.50am, police received a 999 call a man who claimed his twin brother, the defendant, had cut his throat at their Brookhill Crescent home in Armagh.
Officers arrived just five minutes later and arrested Fields.
Court heard the pair both lived at the same address with their elderly mother.
The victim alleged the defendant had sliced his throat with a hunting knife, leaving him with a three-inch long cut.
He was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital where he received eight stitches.
When spoken to later, he said the previous night he had been drinking with his brother at Viva Bar in Armagh.
He had left to go home and fell asleep in his bedroom at around 1.30am.
The man claimed he had been awakened by his brother on top of him.
He claimed his twin had his knee on his stomach to prevent him from moving.
The defendant then allegedly used a hunting knife to cut the victim’s throat, stating: “I’ll cut your f****** throat.”
He told police he did not struggle as he feared his brother would cut him deeper and only rang 999 after seeing himself in the bathroom mirror.
Prosecution said that bail was being objected to as this was an “unprovoked attack” and there was a history of domestic incidents.
Court heard that this was the third report against this defendant since February.
There was also a fear expressed that the defendant would interfere with witnesses as in the past the alleged victim had withdrawn statements. Prosecution informed the court that they had received a letter from Fields’ brother which asked for the defendant not to be convicted.
Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields stated: “These are two men in their 50s who live with their elderly mother.
“From time to time they have disputes which normally results in the other brother contacting police.”
He added that the defendant claimed to have been assaulted by his brother on prior occasions but he had never contacted the police.
Mr Fields also commented that this and other previous incidents had been “alcohol-fuelled”.
He believed the defendant could be released if a suitable address were found outside of Armagh, along with conditions on alcohol consumption.
District Judge Eamonn King stated: “The alleged injured party was asleep when he was awoken by his twin brother on top of him, who then cut his throat.
“There is a history of domestic convictions and this appears to be escalating.”
Bail was refused on the grounds of potential for interference with witnesses and the risk of committing further offences.
The case will return to Armagh Magistrates’ Court on December 18.
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