Man refused bail to live with dad in Derry over attack which left blind in one eye
It was claimed by a police officer in court during a bail application that James McGlinchey allegedly caught on CCTV “striking the victim 25 times” as he lay helpless on the ground.
The 18-year-old and his brother Ryan Gerard McGlinchey (36), both from Mill Street in Fintona, are jointly charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to the victim last Friday, July 19.
Ryan Gerard McGlinchey was allegedly armed with a hatchet, and his younger brother with an iron bar during the attack.
Police strenuously objected at Omagh Magistrates’ Court to James McGlinchey being freed on bail.
The court heard a 999 call was received at around 1 am that two males were being chased by the McGlinchey brothers along Craigavon Road in Fintona, with each brother brandishing a weapon.
It is claimed the McGlincheys pursued the male who turned left on the road but tripped and fell.
While lying on the ground he was set upon, with James McGlinchey allegedly striking him up to 25 times to the head and upper body.
He was found by police bleeding heavily.
The victim was first rushed by ambulance to the South West Acute Hospital for treatment.
But the officer said that because of the seriousness of his injuries, was transferred to Altnagelvin Hospital.
The officer said one head wound was particularly serious and, despite specialist treatment, the victim was informed that he would “have no vision in his left eye….he will lose the eye completely”.
“There were also deep lacerations all over his body, where he was hit with the hatchet and bar.”
At police interview, James McGlinchey gave “no comment” replies to all questions.
A defence lawyer said his client’s record was very limited and bail could be granted to reside with his father in Derry.
But the officer told the court: “We have spoken to the father, who hasn’t seen the defendant for two years after he moved to Fintona at age 16 to reside with the co-accused.
“The father has heard nothing from him in that time.
“Police are concerned at the lack of parental responsibility and that the father-son relationship is not strong.
“This was a very vicious, offensive attack.
“The fact the defendant (struck out) so many times and with such force, I suggest he lost complete control.
“He is currently on Crown Court bail for an alleged assault, which is due for trial.
“His record is limited, but he has been coming to police attention more often since living with his brother.”
A defence lawyer argued bail to reside with the father would take his client out of the Fintona area.
The district judge refused bail saying that she could see of no condition that would stop McGlinchey from re-offending.”
McGlinchey was remanded back into custody to Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
