A CO TYRONE man accused of assaulting loyalist campaigner Willie Frazer was taken to hospital yesterday after falling down stairs during a court appearance.
Frank McGirr (60), from outside Coalisland, is charged with assault and a threat to kill Mr Frazer.
The defendant, who uses a walking stick, fell down a flight of stairs below the court's central dock.
There was an audible gasp in the courtroom as a loud crash was heard and several court officials ran to his assistance, shouting "call an ambulance".
Paramedics treated Mr McGirr while he lay motionless on his back at the bottom of the stairs before he was brought to Craigavon Area Hospital.
Mr Frazer was allegedly attacked outside his home in the Tandragee Road area of Markethill, Co Armagh, on Sunday June 28.
Mr McGirr, of Shanliss Road, Stewartstown, used a walking stick as he made his way into the central dock at Armagh Magistrates Court.
Dressed in a suit with a pioneer pin attached to his left lapel, he spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood the charges.
Mr McGirr stood in the dock with a pair of reading glasses hanging from a string around his neck. He was flanked by two court officials as the hearing got underway.
A PSNI constable told the court he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.
The 60-year-old was released on continuing bail and District Judge Paul Copeland adjourned the case until next month.
He began to descend a staircase from the dock to the cells area to complete paperwork on his bail conditions.
The district judge told the defendant's solicitor Conal McGarrity that his client could take another route if he wished.
The defendant was just out of sight of the main courtroom when he appeared to slip and fall to the bottom of the stairs.
Court business was transferred to another courtroom while paramedics treated Mr McGirr.
It is understood he suffered cuts and bruises, but was not seriously injured.
Mr Frazer (55) sat at the back of the courtroom during the proceedings, dressed in a dark suit, striped lavender shirt and purple tie.
