A MAN charged with attempted murder over a suspected machete attack in east Belfast may have sliced off part of his own ear, a court heard yesterday.
Police claimed 45-year-old Thomas Lee Ross could have inflicted self injuries as he allegedly struck out during a drink and drugs-fuelled row in the Greenway area on Tuesday.
A man in his thirties is in a critical condition following the incident near the Kilbroney House block of flats.
Ross, with an address at Greenway, faces further charges of possessing cocaine and having an offensive weapon - namely a machete - with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
A count of possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances has been withdrawn.
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the alleged assault happened after a fall-out between two friends.
According to an investigating detective Ross has a "keen interest" in weapons.
"There were a large amount of knives, crossbows, flares and what was initially believed to be a grenade," he said.
Two suspected deactivated firearms recovered at the scene have been sent for further analysis.
Questioned by defence counsel Kelly Doherty, the detective confirmed it was Ross who contacted police and alerted them to the deactivated guns.
Based on CCTV footage, the call was allegedly made eight minutes after the accused dragged the other man out into a corridor.
During the hearing it emerged that the top half of Ross's right ear has been cut off.
He claimed to have feared for his life, the court heard, and that he believed the injured party had inflicted his wounds.
But the detective contended that the other man was never seen holding a blade.
"Police believe it was possibly caused by (Ross) himself, whenever he was using the machete on the injured party," he said.
"As he's been bringing it down in one of the strikes the end of the machete has possibly taken the top of his ear off."
Bail was opposed amid concerns that Ross himself could be at risk.
However, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay ruled that the accused can be released on bail to an alternative address in Co Down.
