Ballynahinch: Two charged after boy stabbed

Court was told police were called to Lough Park in an area known as "the Bog" at around 19:35 GMT

A man and a woman have faced charges in court after a boy was stabbed in Ballynahinch on Saturday.

Police were called to Lough Park in an area known as "the Bog" at about 19:30 GMT.

The case involving Joseph Skelly and Holly Kilmartin, both aged 20 and from Hillcrest Drive, was heard at Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday.

A police officer said the 16-year-old boy had part of his bowel removed as a result of the attack.

The pair are charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Mr Skelly is further charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and common assault.

A detective inspector told the court she could connect the accused to the charges.

She told the court that when police arrived at the scene, in an area behind a community centre, they found a 16-year-old boy with a stab wound to his lower abdomen.

She added that Mr Skelly was identified by witnesses at the scene as being the perpetrator.

The officer also told the court that witnesses said Ms Kilmartin had kicked the young male who had been stabbed while he was on the ground.

'Significant injury'

The court heard the boy had suffered a "significant injury" where part of his small bowel had to be removed.

Police said there were four written statements from witnesses identifying Mr Skelly as carrying a knife.

The officer added that during interview both defendants admitted to being at the scene and that there was an altercation.

They continued that both accused were aware there had been a stabbing but denied having a knife.

She added that at least thirty young people between the ages of 14 and 16 had witnessed the incident.

Defence lawyers for both of the accused said bail conditions had been agreed by the PSNI in respect of the defendants, subject to bail addresses being approved.

Both defendants will appear in court again at a later date.