A MAN who died following a "vicious assault" had his head "stomping on" as he lay on the ground, a court has heard.
Robert Kiernan (28) of Princetown Road in Bangor and Jordan Donnelly (19) from Arlington Park in Portaferry have been jointly charged with the murder of Ryan Macrae.
Mr Kiernan and Mr Donnelly were originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the 32-year-old.
However, Mr Macrae passed away in hospital on Tuesday evening, and the pair returned to Newtownards magistrates court today charged with his murder.
The alleged attack on the labourer and guitar player from Killyleagh happened outside the Fiddler's Green bar in Church Street shortly before 1am on Sunday, October 14.
Detective Sergeant Kenny told the court that the entire incident captured on "very clear CCTV" and both defendants had "made admissions" during police interviews.
District Judge Mark Hamill heard the assault was "basically one blow to the head which made the injured party fall directly to the ground banging his head".
"That was followed up by stomping type, two stomps to the injured party’s head as he lay on the ground, followed up by the defendant grabbing him and banging his head on the ground," the policeman added, describing it as a "fairly serious, vicious assault".
The judge warned "people who stamp on people's head while they're on the ground definitely go to prison".
Defence counsel for Mr Donnelly, Chris Holmes, said while the police claim they have a strong case, "there are definitely issues" which will have to be tried eventually including Mr Macrae "being the aggressor on two or three occasions".
He said his client had "taken himself to the door if Musgrave Street [station]" when he heard of Mr Macrae's death, "knowing that they would be looking for him".
Conor Holmes, lawyer for Mr Kiernan, said his client was "absolutely distraught at this man's passing".
Mr Kiernan and Mr Donnelly had been on bail when they were rearrested on the murder charge.
The detective asked that they be remanded in custody "for their own personal security" as "tensions in this area are quite high".
Judge Hamill released the men on bail with conditions including barring them from alcohol, licensed premises, an imposed curfew and tags.
They are due back in court on November 16.
