Man refused bail over 'one-punch' assault

Martin Sheridan was refused bail at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Monday

A man has been refused bail in relation to an alleged "one-punch" assault in Londonderry city centre which left a man with severe brain injuries.

Martin Sheridan, 30, of Spencer Road in Derry was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent after a man was found unconscious in the Sackville Street area on 6 September.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court was told on Monday that Martin Sheridan and a woman called Courtney Temple were connected to the incident after police reviewed CCTV footage in the area.

Mr Sheridan is alleged to have punched the man, knocking him to the ground where he hit his head. The injured man was then taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

'Extremely serious case'

Police objected to bail, saying that there was a risk of Mr Sheridan re-offending.

A defence solicitor called it a "classic one-punch case" and said that drugs and alcohol were at the centre of it.

He also added that Mr Sheridan waited with the injured party until the ambulance arrived.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that it was an "extremely serious case" and refused bail.

Mr Sheridan is due to appear again next month.