Attempted murder charge after alleged Star of David necklace incident
A Belfast man who allegedly stamped on a stranger over comments about his Star of David necklace is to stand trial for attempted murder, a judge ordered today.
William Martin, 45, is accused of carrying out an attack in the city centre which left the other man with multiple suspected fractured ribs.
The 45-year-old, of Lindsay Court, initially faced counts of common assault, threats to kill and affray.
But he appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today on an alternative charge of attempted murder in connection with events on July 5 this year.
At a previous hearing it was alleged that he kicked and stamped on the victim during an encounter outside a McDonald’s restaurant on Donegall Place.
The other man sustained up to four rib fractures in the incident, according to police.
Lawyers suggested the altercation possibly related to a Star of David necklace worn by Martin at the time.
He was said to have been recently released from hospital after suffering from psychosis. Martin allegedly told police at the time that he wanted to kill somebody.
Appearing remotely from custody for a preliminary enquiry today, he confirmed that he understood the charge but declined to give evidence or call witnesses at this stage.
Prosecution submissions that he has a prima facie case to answer were not disputed.
Granting the Crown’s application, District Judge Anne Marshall returned Martin for trial at Belfast Crown Court on a date to be set.
A defence solicitor applied to have two barristers represent him, citing “significant mental health issues”, the seriousness of the charge and complexities of the case.
Martin is now expected to remain in custody until his arraignment.