Bail for man who assualted brother over dispute over late father's will

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a dispute between two brothers over their late father's will led to one of them being accused of assaulting the other and his fiancée.

John Laird (43) of Curlew Way in Derry appeared charged with assaulting his brother and his brother's partner with the offences aggravated by domestic abuse on December 16.

The court heard that police attended an address and were told that Laird had assaulted the pair who live next door to him. 

The brother alleged Laird had entered his home, headbutted him and punched him several times. 

The woman tried to separate the pair and said that she was put in fear of assault. 

The court heard that Laird claimed that himself and his brother had been arguing and had 'squared up to each other' butting their foreheads together.

He denied assaulting anyone and said he acted in self defence. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the problem was that the only address available for this man was next door to his brother. 

He said he has had a clear record for the last 26 years and asked for him to be released with conditions. 

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that this defendant had to be aware he was 'very close to custody.'

He said he would 'err on the side of caution' and released Laird on bail to appear again on January 11.