A fire officer had two of his fingers almost cut off when he was attacked by a man armed with a Samurai sword, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday. A prosecution lawyer said that the officer also suffered severe damage to the tendons of one hand and would require micro-surgery. It was too early to say if the injuries would mean the end of his career.
The prosecution was opposing a bail application by Mr Kevin Winters (22), from St Moninna Park, Newry, who has been charged with attempted murder on August 2nd. A lawyer for Mr Winters said he had used the sword in self-defence after being attacked by a crowd throwing bottles outside a house at Ballyholland, where a party had been held.
Mr Justice Higgins refused bail.