A Co Tyrone man who allegedly tried to stab his brother to death following a family funeral has been denied bail at the High Court in Belfast as the judge fears a repeat attack.
Sean McCartney (39), of John Wesley Street, Strabane, faces charges of attempting to murder Conor McCartney and possession of an offensive weapon.
Prosecutors said Conor McCartney had arrived from England to attend their uncle’s funeral and the two had gone drinking together.
In a 999 call early on December 6th, Conor claimed he had been stabbed through the jaw. He received 13 stitches for cheek and mouth wounds in hospital.
The court heard that police found parts of the accused’s home were covered in blood and that he initially claimed to have suffered a nose bleed.
In a statement to investigating detectives, Conor McCartney said a row broke out over borrowed money after they returned to his brother’s house.
The court heard Sean McCartney came out of his kitchen brandishing a knife and shouting. Sean McCartney then stabbed his brother in the cheek before trying to inflict a further wound, counsel said.
“The complainant said he tried to stab him in the throat and that he felt he was going to be killed,” the barrister added.
The accused has no recollection of the alleged attack, the court was told. He said his last memory was reminiscing with and hugging his brother.
He said he was close to his brother and they were in good spirits on the day of the alleged attack. Counsel said the accused was “gutted and remorseful” about what had happened.