Bail denied for man who attacked neighbour with crossbow

A 48-year-old Derry man tried to kill his neighbour with a crossbow after becoming ‘disgruntled’ with the way their long-term friendship ended, Derry Magistrates' Court heard today.

Brian Forbes, of Glenanne in Derry, is charged with attempted murder and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a bow and arrow and an axe.

He is further charged with threats to kill, common assault and twice causing criminal damage, by firing the arrow at a window and hitting the front door with an axe.

It is alleged the defendant fired an arrow at the window of the victim’s house on Tuesday morning and used an axe to repeatedly strike the door.

Defence solicitor Eugene Burns said his client disputes details of the victim’s account in which the man alleged the loaded bow had been pointed directly at him.

He denies the charges of attempted murder and threats to kill.

Police objected to bail, believing the defendant would attempt to contact the victim, which could result in ‘further unprovoked attacks’.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that he shared police concerns and it is his primary duty to protect the public from harm.

The defendant was remanded in custody, and the bail application adjourned to January 12 when Forbes will appear via video link.

For full details see tomorrow's Derry News.