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Man claimed he was pinned against railings by car, court hears

Michael Stitt (25) was said to have carried out the attack 
Michael Stitt (25) was said to have carried out the attack  Michael Stitt (25) was said to have carried out the attack 

A MOTORIST allegedly drove at a neighbour and pinned him against railings for up to three minutes in a bid to kill him, the High Court has heard.

Michael Stitt (25) was said to have been laughing behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf during the suspected attack in north Belfast, prosecutors claimed.

He is charged with attempting to murder Daniel McFarland amid an outbreak of violence linked to a row over paint being poured on a car.

Stitt of Butler Place in the city, was refused bail on Tuesday due to fears of further offences being committed.

Mr McFarland sustained a broken ankle as well as head and body wounds in the incident at Herbert Street in the Ardoyne area on October 15.

It was claimed that another man also struck him with a hatchet.

The alleged attack was said to be connected to a dispute over previous stone and paint attacks on Stitt's vehicle.

A judge was told one witness claims the car's engine was revved before it mounted the pavement and drove straight at Mr McFarland.

The alleged victim, who has also been questioned about claims he brought weapons to the scene, underwent hospital treatment.

Conor Maguire, prosecuting, confirmed Mr McFarland has since made a statement claiming he recognised Michael Stitt as being the driver.

"He said a black car came screeching around the corner driving at him and pinning him against railings," Mr Maguire told the court.

"He said the car had him pinned for two to three minutes and that this man Michael was laughing at him."

At that stage the second man arrived and hit him on the head with the hatchet, it was claimed and he blacked out.

A car found burnt out in the Newtownabbey area is believed to have been used in alleged attack.

Stitt's lawyer, Tom McCreanor contended that completely contradictory accounts were given by the alleged victim and a co-accused.

However bail was denied.