Northern Ireland

Man (39) tried to stab brother following family funeral

Sean McCartney (39) is accused of plunging a kitchen knife through the victim's jaw in a drink-fuelled attack 
Sean McCartney (39) is accused of plunging a kitchen knife through the victim's jaw in a drink-fuelled attack  Sean McCartney (39) is accused of plunging a kitchen knife through the victim's jaw in a drink-fuelled attack 

A CO Tyrone man allegedly tried to stab his brother to death following a family funeral, the High Court has heard.

Sean McCartney (39) is accused of plunging a kitchen knife through the victim's jaw in a drink-fuelled attack.

He faces charges of attempting to murder Conor McCartney and possession of an offensive weapon.

The defendant, of John Wesley Street in Strabane, was refused bail on Thursday due to concerns about further potential violence.

Prosecutors said his brother travelled from England to attend their uncle's funeral.

In a 999 call on December 6 Conor McCartney claimed he had been stabbed. He received 13 stitches for cheek and mouth wounds.

The court heard police discovered some areas of the accused's home covered in blood. He at first claimed to have suffered a nose bleed.

In a statement to detectives, Conor McCartney said he had gone drinking with his brother while staying with him. He alleged that a row broke out over borrowed money after they returned home.

It was claimed that Sean McCartney came out of his kitchen brandishing a knife. Prosecution counsel claimed he stabbed his brother in the cheek before trying to inflict a further wound.

The accused has no recollection of the alleged attack, the court heard.

Sean McCartney appeared on crutches via a prison video-link for the bail hearing. According to his legal representatives he cannot recall how he sustained that injury either.

A defence lawyer said the case involved "very tragic circumstances".

He described the brothers as close and being in good spirits on the day of the alleged attack.

"To say that he (Sean McCartney) is gutted and remorseful would be an understatement given the relationship the two brothers have," he added.

Denying bail, the judge said: "I couldn't have confidence this sort of behaviour alleged against him would not be repeated."