A MAN was shot in the head in west Belfast as part of a Traveller-related feud, a court has heard.
Martin Gavin remains seriously ill following the gun attack on the Shaw's Road last November.
A father and son are currently charged with threatening to kill the victim days before he was targeted.
Edward James McKay (50) and Edward McKay (19) appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday as part of the continuing case against them.
The defendants, whose address in the city is not being disclosed for legal reasons, stood together in the dock as a prosecutor provided an update.
She said: "The injured party is currently very seriously ill in hospital after he was shot (in the head) in what police believe to be a Traveller feud.
"Several days prior to this incident it's alleged that these defendants sent threats to kill this injured party."
Concerns were expressed about potential interference with witnesses in the court.
The prosecution lawyer also confirmed detectives are examining several mobile phones as part of the case.
With the McKays not accused of involvement in the shooting, their lawyer stressed both have alibis for the alleged offences against them.
District Judge King ordered the pair to return to court next month.
He added: "Coming from Newry, I have some unfortunate experience of the consequences of feuds and the impact they have on the community where they are inflicted."
