Three men and a juvenile appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court today
charged in connection with the stabbing of two loyalist bandsmen at the weekend.
Mr Sean Liddy (23) a builder from Bleerick Drive, Antrim; Mr Christopher McConnell (17), an apprentice joiner from Oldpark Avenue, Belfast; and Mr Keith O'Neill (17), of no occupation from Serpentine Road, Belfast, were charged
with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr William Eve and Mr Samuel
McGookin.
A 16-year-old juvenile who cannot be named appeared on the same charges.
The four were also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to a third
bandsman, Mr Robert Eve.
Two of the bandsmen suffered serious injuries when they were attacked around
2.30 a.m. on Saturday on the Shore Road in north Belfast.
One underwent emergency surgery after suffering a stab wound to the stomach.
He is recovering in the Mater Hospital in Belfast where his condition is
described as stable.
The second man suffered a stab wound to the neck and has since been discharged. A third man suffered bruising during the incident.
A detective who arrested the four at Antrim Road police station told
the court that when the charges were put to Mr Liddy he made no reply.
He said that Mr McConnell, Mr O'Neill and the juvenile all replied not guilty when
the charges were put to them. The officer said he believed he could connect all four to the charges.
The accused were remanded in custody to appear again by video link on
September 21st.