Northern Ireland

Man charged with trying to set a couple on fire in Downpatrick

Police said a victim had been stabbed in the face

The PSNI has made an appeal after a man was arrested on firearms offences in west Belfast
The court heard there was an attempt to set a couple on fire (Liam McBurney/PA)

A man has appeared in court accused of trying to set fire to a couple in Downpatrick.

Conor Carey (34), from the Glassheena Road in the town, is accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to a male victim, attempting to inflict GBH on a female complainant, throwing a petrol bomb, possessing a knife with intent to commit GBH, attempted arson intending to endanger the lives of the alleged victims, criminal damage and witness intimidation.

None of the alleged facts surrounding the charges were opened in Newtownards Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but giving evidence a detective constable said he believed he could connect Carey to each of the offences.

In a statement appealing for information, a police spokesperson said at the time that a man has been stabbed in the face before petrol was poured over him and his attacker allegedly tried to set him on fire.

Shortly 1.40am on May 15, the assailant entered the a property in St John’s Mews in Downpatrick after throwing a petrol bomb at the house.

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Defence counsel Sean Doherty said there was a proposed bail address which will have to be checked by the police “but that cannot happen today” so he suggested adjourning the case to Thursday.

District Judge Francis Rafferty agreed and remanding Carey into custody, ordered him to appear at Downpatrick court by videolink on May 23.