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Man on attempted murder charge claims he is a victim of mistaken identity

Mark Hay denies the charges and claims he is a victim of mistaken identity
Mark Hay denies the charges and claims he is a victim of mistaken identity Mark Hay denies the charges and claims he is a victim of mistaken identity

A CO Tyrone man accused of attempted murder told police his arrest was a case of mistaken identity.

Mark Hay (32) of Beechway, in Cookstown, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with attempting to murder a man on June 5, possession of a firearm, threatening to kill a female, and entering a house as a trespasser armed with a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Hay, who was dressed in a tracksuit, spoke only to confirm he understood the charges.

The offences are alleged to have occurred in the Drumcree area of Cookstown in which a man was shot in both legs.

According to police, men wearing balaclavas and camouflage jackets – one of whom was armed with a handgun - were observed at the scene.

A detective constable told the court he believed he could connect Hay to the charges.

When questioned by a defence solicitor the detective confirmed Hay had stated from the outset of police questioning: “It wasn’t me. I was at my mother’s all day. This is a case of mistaken identity.”

There was no application for bail and District Judge John Meehan remanded Hay in custody to reappear later this month by video-link.