The two men accused of a kidnapping in Silverbridge at the weekend have been denied bail.
Padraig Gerard Casey (44), of Drumalt Road and Connor Casey (39), of Carrickbroad Road appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
They are jointly charged with kidnapping, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and blackmail.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on the Carnally Road on Saturday (February 17).
At Monday morning’s hearing, a police detective constable said she could connect the accused to the charges, which were read to the defendants.
The court heard around 5.30pm on Saturday (February 17), police received a report from the victim alleging that the defendants, along with two other men, forced their way into his home and subjected him to a “prolonged assault”, before placing him into a vehicle and taking him to a different location, where he was allegedly further assaulted.
Police could not find the alleged victim at his home, but after a search they found him with “extensive facial injuries” and he was taken to hospital.
It was further alleged that the defendants, who have denied the allegations, demanded he hand over £100,000.
The detective constable told the court police were objecting to bail, citing “ongoing issues” between the parties involved in the case.
A defence lawyer, while conceding that the allegations were “extremely serious”, said that both defendants were working men with limited records and willing to submit to any bail conditions imposed.
District Judge Magill commented: “This man was subjected to a prolonged and brutal assault at his home and also at another place where he was doused with disinfectant.”
The judge also noted that the alleged victim had been helped by one of the defendants with farm work and bail in the past.
He continued: “This is a situation where four men broke into a man’s home, beat him badly, took him away, further abused him and then also demanded that on his release he would hand over to them £100,000.”
Further noting that two men remained at large, Judge Magill refused bail and adjourned the case to appear on March 13.
