Four face charges over attack on loyalist bandsmen

THREE men and a juvenile appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday charged in connection with the stabbing of two loyalist bandsmen.

Sean Liddy, aged 23, a builder from Bleerick Drive, Antrim, Christopher McConnell, aged 17, an apprentice joiner from Oldpark Avenue, Belfast, Keith O’Neill, aged 17, no occupation from Serpentine Road, Belfast, and a 16-year-old juvenile were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to William Eve and Samuel McGookin.

They were also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to a third bandsman Robert Eve.

Two of the bandsmen suffered serious injuries when they were attacked at about 2.30am on Saturday on the Shore Road in north Belfast.

One underwent emergency surgery after suffering a stab wound to the stomach. He is recovering in the Mater Hospital in Belfast where his condition is described as stable. The second man suffered a stab wound to the neck and has since been discharged. A third man suffered bruising during the incident.

A detective constable who arrested the four at Antrim Road Police Station told the court that when the charges were put to Liddy he made no reply. He said that McConnell, O’Neill and the juvenile all replied not guilty when the charges were put to them. The officer said he believed he could connect all four to the charges. The accused were remanded in custody to appear again by video link on September 21.