Alleged intruder accused of trying to stab a man in the throat is refused bail
An alleged intruder accused of trying to stab a man in the throat at his home in west Belfast must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today.
Ciaran Black, 26, was refused bail on charges of breaking into the victim’s property on Carrigart Avenue and pursuing him up a flight of stairs while brandishing a blade.
Prosecutors claimed it was one of three separate incidents involving the two men. Mr Justice Fowler held: “I could have no confidence in (the defendant) remaining out of trouble.”
Black, of Falls Road in the city, faces a charge of aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The court heard the intruder forced his way into the man’s home on February 3 this year, damaging a window and demanding money.
“He ran up the stairs towards the victim wielding a knife,” Crown counsel said. “He attempted to stab him several times, and managed to cause a cut to the victim’s neck which did not require medical intervention.” The intruder then left the property empty handed.
Crime scene investigators attended the scene and recovered blood from the hallway and a staircase banister.
Forensic analysis of the samples established that they came from Black, according to the prosecution
Opposing bail, counsel claimed he could either target or attempt to contact the victim again.
“This was the second of three incidents involving the applicant and the injured party,” she disclosed.
Black’s lawyer argued he should be released from custody based on delays and the completion of separate proceedings.
“This is the only matter now hanging over him,” she added.
But Mr Justice Fowler identified risks that Black could either interfere with the witness or re-offend.
He confirmed: “I agree that he has a clear propensity to criminality… accordingly I refuse bail.”