Northern Ireland

Man had nose broken after being wrongly challenged about using cocaine, court told

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the man was allegedly punched up to four times
Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the man was allegedly punched up to four times Belfast Magistrates' Court heard the man was allegedly punched up to four times

A MAN was attacked and had his nose broken in a restaurant toilet after being wrongly challenged about using cocaine, a court has heard.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard he was allegedly punched up to four times at the Windrose Bar & Bistro in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.

Jonathan Welsh faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm during the confrontation earlier this year.

The 31-year-old defendant, of Low Road in Islandmagee, was due to be sentenced after previously indicating a guilty plea.

But the case was adjourned amid his claims that he acted in self-defence.

The alleged victim was found with deep facial cuts and swelling at the bar on February 28.

Subsequent examinations confirmed bones in his nose were fractured in the alleged attack.

Prosecutors said he went into the toilets and was then challenged by Welsh at a cubicle.

"He says the defendant came close to his face and demanded to know if he had taken drugs," a Crown lawyer submitted.

Welsh then allegedly started shouting and started punching him as he tried to exit.

The man's girlfriend and a member of door staff both entered the toilets to intervene.

The case has been adjourned for two weeks.