Father and son charged with attempted murder of man

A father and son have appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a man in Newcastle, County Down, at the weekend.

Brendan Richard Rice, 60, of Bunkers Hill, Castlewellan and Brendan Rice, 30, of Cairn Grove in Motherwell are both charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. Court papers list that weapon as a machete.

The charges arise from an incident in Tipperary Lane in Newcastle on Saturday.

Police say the injured party sustained serious injuries to his hands and legs in the assault.

A police officer told the court in Downpatrick that a member of the public had found the victim in a secluded area with injuries to his hands and legs.

It was stated that the injured party is in a relationship with the daughter/sister of the accused men and the couple had had a fight.

Later that day, the injured party had gone drinking with Brendan Rice Jr.

The court heard Mr Rice Jr suggested that the two men go to a shop for cigarettes.

At this point, it is alleged that Mr Rice Jr’s father appeared from a wooded area, masked, and holding what was described as “a two feet sword”.

The court heard the injured party believed it was a joke until it is alleged Mr Rice Sr “swung for his head”.

The man sustained injuries to his arms, thighs and hands in the attack.

The court heard he had lost the top of his finger.

His injuries are described as life-changing but not life-threatening.

Both of the accused men were later arrested at Mr Rice Sr’s home.

Bloodstained clothing was also recovered after another member of the public reported seeing items being thrown from a silver vehicle.

Both men subsequently gave no comment interviews.

Police objected to bail on the basis of concerns for a risk of reoffending, a risk of interference with the injured party and that Mr Rice Jr’s address in Scotland was unsuitable.

However, a defence solicitor argued the injured party had not made a statement of complaint and the forensic examination of phones, cars and clothing is likely to take some time.

Refusing bail, District Judge Amanda Brady said “investigations are at an early stage”.

“Until this has been further investigated and motive becomes clear I think this is a premature bail application,” she added.

Both men were remanded into custody and will appear in court again on 3 July.