A Lurgan man who allegedly assaulted a male with a golf club has been released on bail.
Court heard the defendant was identified via an image sent to the injured party on social media.
Anthony Duffy, of Liscorran Court, is charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 29-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry, to make an application for bail.
The officer in charge of the case outlined the facts.
She stated this had been the amalgamation of two separate incidents.
The officer said that a separate suspect had assaulted a man on William Street, Lurgan, on October 21.
She alleged that Duffy then came and punched the same injured party in the eye and face.
The defendant then left before returning with a golf club, which it is claimed he used to hit another injured party with.
It was heard this victim was left with severe cuts to the top of his head and a slash to the side of his neck.
The officer alerted the court that Duffy was identified by one of the injured parties after a witness sent them an image of the defendant on social media.
When interviewed Duffy made no comment.
Objecting to bail the officer stated: “This is a small town in which the defendant and victims live.
“We fear intimidation of witnesses and the prospect of further offences as this was an unprovoked attack.”
She added that this was aggravated by the fact the defendant left and returned with an offensive weapon.
It was also heard that Duffy previously had three bench warrants out in his name and had a breach of a non-molestation order on his record. The officer stated there was fear he would no obey bail conditions.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter commented that the only evidence he had seen in the case was “an unsolicited image from a witness”.
He informed the court that Duffy had been deemed suitable by the Simon Community hostel, although a bed had not yet been found.
Mr Coulter assured the judge that any hostel in which the defendant resided would be outside of Lurgan.
He commented: “Although Mr Duffy has family in Lurgan I have advised him that for the period of his bail that Lurgan is a no-go area”.
Mr Coulter also stated that this was the defendant’s first offence in five years.
He finished by saying that with the possible introduction of another suspect this case could run on for some time.
Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers stated: “This is a serious allegation and I can understand police concern.”
However, judge Ievers granted bail stating: “Any breach and you will be before this court again with the possibility of bail being revoked”.
Duffy was released on his own bail of £900, with a cash surety from his Aunt of £900.
Conditions included; no contact with the injured parties, witnesses or the other suspect, to reside at an address approved by police, to not be within a 10-mile radius of Lurgan centre, no alcohol or unprescribed drugs, a curfew between 10pm and 7am.
The defendant was also subject to wear an electronic tag at the request of the investigating officer.
The case will return on December 7 for an update on the file.
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