A 20-year-old Armagh man has pleaded guilty to slashing the face of a teenage boy in the city centre on New Year’s Eve last year.
Oisin Smith, of Legar Hill Park, appeared before Newry Crown Court on Thursday, for arraignment on charges of wounding with intent to do GBH; possessing an offensive weapon in public place, namely a Stanley knife; and common assault.
Taking to the dock, Smith pleaded guilty to the first charge of wounding, however, he denied the possession of a blade and common assault charges.
As a result, his defence counsel asked for case to be re-listed in order to discuss with prosecution “the approach we have taken” given the guilty plea to the most serious charge but denial of the others on the indictment.
Fiona O’Kane, prosecuting, asked for the potential trial date of November 22 to be noted, “if needed”.
The incident occurred in the Lower English Street area of the city. The 17-year-old victim was taken to hospital at around 10.30pm with serious injuries to his face.
A previous court sitting heard that both parties “are known to each other and they were friends up until this particular incident”.
Smith will re-appear before Newry Crown Court on September 8. There was no amendments to his previous bail conditions.
