A MAN with brain damage was rendered unconscious and kicked and beaten about the head after meeting for a bare-chested fight in north Belfast.
The High Court heard the alleged victim suffered fractures to both eye sockets, cheek bones and his jaw from a dozen punches and kicks during the clash with Anthony Wilson (25) earlier this month.
Prosecutors claim Mr Wilson, of Duncairn Gardens, later warned the man's sister on social media: "Next time I won't stop, it will be worse."
Mr Wilson was granted bail on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Crown lawyer Laura Ievers said the men agreed to meet on September 7 for a "fair digs" fight at the junction between Antrim Road and Hillman Street, with CCTV footage showing them bare-chested exchanging blows.
Ms Ievers claimed Mr Wilson put his opponent in a choke-hold, rendering him unconscious before punching and kicking him to the head.
The alleged victim had previously sustained brain damage due to an unrelated stabbing incident aged 13, the court heard.
Hours after the clash, Mr Wilson allegedly contacted the man's sister through Facebook messenger saying he was "ready, anytime, anywhere" for a further encounter.
During police interviews, he claimed he agreed to meet after being threatened and his opponent appeared to have something in his hand, with those accompanying the other man carrying a hammer and knife.
Ms Ievers continued: "He said he had no regrets, 'it was him or me'."
Defence counsel Joe Brolly claimed the injured party, was a "very dangerous and unpredictable man" and carrying a suspected knife.
He said Mr Wilson panicked and agreed to the fight after the alleged victim "said 'If you don't meet me now I will be down in five minutes and I will kill you in front of your kids'.
"This applicant believed if he was overpowered he was going to be stabbed and killed on the ground."
The court heard Mr Wilson accepts striking "several blows while (the victim) was on the ground", but removed himself from the fight.
Judge Patrick Kinney banned Wilson from any contact with the injured party or his family.
