Hijackers broke motorcyclist's jaw as they took his bike
Hijackers broke a motorcyclist’s jaw as they seized his bike in a west Belfast neighbourhood, a court heard today.
Police said two men targeted the victim in broad daylight on Wednesday, leaving him bleeding from the mouth before escaping on the stolen Yamaha.
Details emerged as a 32-year-old joiner was remanded in custody accused of taking part in the attack.
Brendan Hughes, of Rossnareen Park in the city, faces charges of hijacking, inflicting grievous bodily harm and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the motorcyclist was stopped in the Servia Street area shortly before 3pm. Two men assaulted him, seized his bike and left the scene.
A witness who encountered the victim bleeding from the mouth alleged to police that Hughes was one of those involved.
Officers later recovered the stolen Yamaha 125cc discarded nearby in Lisvarna Heights.
An investigating detective claimed CCTV footage captured Hughes at a location close to the hijacking minutes before the attack was carried out.
He was arrested later that afternoon after running from police towards Lisvarna Heights, the court heard.
A key for the stolen motorbike was also located outside a house in that area.
During interviews where Hughes made no comment to questions, police noticed he had a swollen right hand.
He stated it was due to a previous injury which left him permanently unable to clench his fist.
Opposing bail, the detective insisted he had provided no information to discount him as a suspect in the hijacking.
“This has resulted in a serious injury to the victim, he has a fractured jaw which requires hospital treatment,” she disclosed.
“The incident occurred around 2.40pm in a built-up residential area with local shops and schools nearby.
“Due to the time of day and possibility of children being present, it shows his disregard for the public and those around him.”
Defence counsel Michael Boyd argued there were issues of dispute in what he described as a circumstantial case where the witness has not provided an official statement.
The barrister confirmed that Hughes accepts being in the general area.
“He ran from police as many people might do in his position and thought they wanted him for some reason other than in relation to this incident which he says he knows nothing about,” Mr Boyd added.
District Judge Anne Marshall refused to grant bail and remanded Hughes in custody until March 26.
She ruled: “There has been an escalation in his risk (of re-offending) and I don’t think I could manage it.”