Man accused of brandishing samurai sword and crossbow in Ballymena estate

A Co Antrim man accused of brandishing a samurai sword and crossbow in his neighbourhood is banned from returning there.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th May 2020, 16:51 BST
Pacemaker Press 22/5/2013 Belfast High Court Building in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerPacemaker Press 22/5/2013 Belfast High Court Building in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Pacemaker Press 22/5/2013 Belfast High Court Building in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Brian Ward was prohibited from re-entering the Dunclug estate in Ballymena as part of terms under which he was granted bail.

The 35-year-old, of Kensington Park in the town, was arrested along with a second man following an alleged confrontation on Wednesday.

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Ward appeared at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Belfast, yesterday charged with possessing offensive weapons – namely a sword and a crossbow – with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

He faces further counts of threatening to kill a woman and affray in the estate’s Kensington Park area.

When the allegations were put to him Ward replied: “I understand.”

Another defendant, 21-year-old Michael McDonagh, from Hyde Park in Ballymena, appeared on charges connected to the same disturbances.

He is accused of making threats to kill a man and affray.

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McDonagh was granted bail to reside at an address approved by police.

With Ward offering an address outside Ballymena, District Judge Fiona Bagnall barred him from contacting the injured party or any witnesses. She also directed: “He is not to enter Dunclug.