Teenager charged over Belfast attack

A 16-year-old youth was tonight charged with carrying out a weekend attack in west Belfast which left another youth critically ill in hospital.

James Doherty, 16, was pulled to the ground and kicked in the head in Downfine Gardens in the Turf Lodge area.

The alleged attacker is due to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court tomorrow charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

As the victim remained in hospital his mother Annemarie said she did not know why he was attacked.

“He’s just a typical 16-year-old boy. He doesn’t bring any trouble or anything to the door, he’s a good kid,” she said.

“I don’t know what other people think of him but he’s a good child to me and I don’t have any bother with him at all. I can’t believe it has happened to him.”