A YOUNG boxer stabbed in the face in Belfast city centre has branded the justice system an "absolute joke" after being told a prosecution will not be brought.
Caoimhin Hynes (21) was outside McDonald's on Donegall Place with his girlfriend after a night out in May when he was sliced across the face.
The west Belfast man, considered a rising star in amateur boxing, said he felt lucky to be alive after undergoing surgery and receiving multiple stitches.
Mr Hynes said he received a letter from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on Tuesday, telling him it had decided not to pursue a case over the stabbing.
Expressing his frustration online, he said: "The justice system is a joke. The many cameras are in that town and there isn't 'enough evidence' to prosecute."
He said it made him feel "sick" that no-one has faced justice while he has been left "with a six-inch scar down my face/neck".
Last night Mr Hynes, of Holy Trinity boxing club, told The Irish News he intends to challenge the PPS decision.
"They have just said that the evidence that police have given them isn't enough to prosecute someone," he said.
"Police have told me they thought the evidence was enough to prosecute. I was hoping for a better result."
He added: "I have to go and see my solicitor, but I will be appealing it."
Mr Hynes, who hopes to compete in the Commonwealth Games, said he was "holding up all right" in the months after his ordeal.
"Obviously there's still a wee bit of trauma and stuff but physically I'm holding up well, but I still have a long way to go."
A PPS spokeswoman said: "It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the individual circumstances of this case.
"However, we can say all PPS decision-making is taken fully in line with our code for prosecutors."
