Londonderry: Man '˜kicked in head in row over can of beer'

Prosecutors said he was found on a Londonderry street bare chested with footprint marks to his face, back and shoulder.

His girlfriend was also allegedly attacked with a stiletto shoe in the same incident.

Details emerged as bail was granted to one of two men accused of involvement in the violence.

Robert Tosh, 31, of Margaret Street in the city, faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Police were called to reports of a man being kicked about the head in a nearby street in the early hours of February 1.

Kate McKay, prosecuting, said they discovered him with extensive facial swelling, blood coming from his nose and a tooth missing.

The man was only able to communicate at first by nodding his head, the court heard.

Mrs McKay continued: “He was also noted to have footprint marks to the left side of his face, back and shoulders. He was bare chested.”

It was claimed that the man had got into an argument with Tosh and his co-accused.

“It appears to be a row over a can of beer,” Mrs McKay disclosed.

The alleged victim was said to have suffered bruising and a split lip in the incident.

In a statement he claimed Tosh was involved in the attack.

A judge was told photos of the markings on his body are to be forensically examined to see if they match the defendant’s footwear.

Tests are also to be carried out on a stiletto allegedly used to strike the victim’s girlfriend.

Tosh was granted bail after the court was told his co-accused has already been released from custody.

That man faces the same charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, plus a further count of trying to choke the alleged victim.

Tosh must abide by a curfew, electronic monitoring and an alcohol ban.