A person's religion can usually be determined by what side of Belfast's Albert Bridge they use as they walk home at night, it was suggested by a lawyer in the High Court there yesterday.
The prosecuting Crown counsel said: "It is common knowledge that in the Short Strand and Ravenhill Road areas after 11 p.m. people walking on the Maysfield leisure side of the Albert Bridge are regarded as Protestants, whereas if they walk on the left-hand side they are regarded as Catholics."
He was outlining the background to an assault on two Protestant brothers last Saturday night as they walked over the bridge "on the correct side for their religion".
He said they were set upon by about nine youths in an entirely unprovoked attack. Both were punched and kicked and one suffered a fractured skull.
Counsel said one of those arrested, Mr John Arnold (18), from Bryson Court, Belfast, had admitted it was a sectarian assault.
Mr Justice Kerr said he would take an exceptional course and admit Mr Arnold to bail because of his previous good character and his father's assurance that he would keep his son out of trouble.