'Did I cut his throat? I hope he is dead' - Derry Magistrate's Court hears

A man charged with wounding another man with intent to do grievous bodily harm was said to have told police 'did I cut his throat? I hope he is dead', Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Denis McGinley (54) of Celtic Court in Derry appeared charged with wounding the man on June 27 with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge and opposed bail. 

He told the court that at around 3am police were called to Woodleigh Terrace in Derry to reports someone had been stabbed. 

CCTV showed three males entering the flat carrying alcohol. 

Police were told that a broken pint glass was the weapon and the alleged victim could be seen on CCTV with an injury to his head leaving the flat. 

The defendant was also seen leaving with blood on his arms and a broken glass in his hand with blood on it. 

The alleged victim said he was attacked by five males and was taken to hospital for 'quite severe injuries'.

The defendant told police that the alleged victim had attacked him and the third man said he was injured trying to break up a fight. 

The police officer said that there was a lot of blood in the flat and a broken glass was seized. 

McGinley was also supposed to have told police 'he got what he deserved.'

Bail was opposed as the officer said there was 'a clear intent to cause significant injuries.'

The officer said that the defendant claimed to have been on a three day drinking binge and police were concerned at the level of violence used and the risk of further offences. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was' significantly older' than the others and didn't really know them.

He said that the court could see that his client was also 'heavily bandaged'.

The solicitor said that McGinley was charged due to the comments he had made which took place in a drunken state. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that McGinley had not offended since 2007.

He said he would give him a chance and released him on bail with conditions he has no contact with any of the others involved in the incident.

He will also be tagged and observe a curfew. 

McGinley will appear again on July 20.