A children's row over a snowman sparked off a savage attack which ended the career of world boxing champion Éamon Magee, Belfast High Court heard yesterday.
The 32-year-old WBU welterweight champion from West Belfast had his leg broken in two places when he was repeated battered with a baton last month. The boxer has now been told by doctors that his career is over.
Mr Joseph Clarke (52), Poleglass, West Belfast, had been remanded in custody on Monday accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing a three-foot baton as an offensive weapon and causing criminal damage to a car.
Crown lawyer Ms Catherine McKay said there was a lengthy history of trouble between the Magee and Clarke families which came to a head following an allegation that Mr Magee's children had damaged a snowman made by Mr Clarke's children.
Ms McKay said the two men had a relatively courteous conversation about the matter, and it was agreed the children would be disciplined. However Mr Magee's wife went to the Clarke house, and there was a heated row with Mr Clarke's partner.
"She returned home and told her husband she had been subjected to derogatory remarks, and he went to the Clarke home in a temper.
"Mrs Magee called a neighbour to try to calm him down and he says Mr Magee was in a drunken state when he head-butted the applicant during a scuffle on the front lawn. The applicant sustained a bloody lip and lost the crown from a front tooth." Ms McKay said the neighbour, Mr Joseph O'Neill, then drove Mr Magee away from the scene.
They had only gone two miles when their car was overtaken and forced to stop. "The applicant and another man got out armed with three-foot batons and smashed the windows of the car. Mr Magee ended up with his legs hanging out the door and it is alleged that the applicant struck him between 10 and 20 times on the legs with the baton," said Ms McKay.
Defence counsel Mr Barry Gibson said there was no violence in Mr Clarke's character, and he rejected the accusations made in regard to the attack. "He has put forward an alibi and has given a full account of his movements. The witnesses support the proposition that he never left the area of his house."
Lord Justice McCollum said it was a serious assault which would have long term consequences for Mr Magee. He released Mr Clarke on bail