Two accused of attacking man left critically ill

Londonderry Magistrates' court was told the victim remains in a critical condition in hospital

Two people have appeared in court charged with attacking a man and leaving him in a critical condition in hospital.

The victim was found with serious injuries in Sackville Street in Londonderry on Friday.

Martin Sheridan, 30, of Spencer Road in the city, is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm, while Courtney Temple, 20, of Jefferson Court in Derry is charged with assaulting the man, occasioning him actual bodily harm.

On Wednesday a police officer told the city's magistrates’ court both defendants could be connected to the charges.

The detective constable told the court the injured party was still in a critical condition.

The officer also accepted a suggestion by a defence solicitor that his client, Mr Sheridan, had made admissions to a one punch assault where the injured party fell to the ground.

The officer confirmed that following the incident Mr Sheridan had gone to the assistance of the injured party.

Mr Sheridan was remanded in custody to appear again on 19 September.

'A few scuffles'

A defence solicitor for Ms Temple told the court his client was facing a less serious charge and that bail could be agreed subject to certain conditions.

The police witness told the court the incident occurred after a group of people had been drinking and during the day “there had been a few scuffles”.

She said an argument broke out between the injured party and Ms Temple and she was alleged to have struck him on the side if the head.

About 30 seconds later Ms Temple's partner, Mr Sheridan, was said to have struck the injured party, who fell to the ground.

Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes released Ms Temple on bail, on the condition she has no contact with the injured man.

She must also observe a curfew, wear a tag, stays away from Sackville Street and the Strand Road and abstains from alcohol.

She is due to appear in court again on 9 October.