Belfast man wounded after being attacked by brother on New Year's Day, court told

Laganside Courts, Belfast

A man sustained a head wound in an alleged New Year’s Day attack by his brother, a court has heard.

Police said he needed staples after striking an electricity junction box during scuffles at a house in east Belfast.

James Brady is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the incident at his Chemical Street home.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court was told armed response police officers were called due to the level of aggression.

Opposing bail, a PSNI constable claimed Brady was verbally abusive to his brother before punching him.

When the alleged victim retaliated he was brought to the ground, hitting his head off an electricity box in the living room, the court heard.

He managed to get up and run from the house, according to police.

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes was told the brother was taken to hospital for treatment to a three inch gash to the head.

Defence solicitor Michael Madden said James Brady has significant mental health difficulties.

“The defendant has instructed that his brother was the aggressor,” he added.

Refusing bail, Judge Holmes remanded Brady in custody to appear again by video-link on January 30.

Belfast Telegraph