Man facing number of serious assault charges against father remanded
Joseph O'Kane (23) of no fixed abode was charged with, on December 16, grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning grievious bodily harm, two assaults and assaulting police
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court on a number of serious assault charges against his father who remains in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Joseph O'Kane (23) of no fixed abode was charged with, on December 16, grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning grievious bodily harm, two assaults and assaulting police.
Police initially responded to a report from the ambulance service. Upon arrival, police found O'Kane being restrained by members of the public with the injured party, O'Kane's father, inside in the kitchen with substantial injuries and a knife with a broken blade.
The court heard that O'Kane reportedly came out of the house and was alleged to have said 'I killed him'.
Multiple members of the public were also said to have been injured and O'Kane attempted to assault police as they tried to arrest him.
He subsequently answered 'no comment' when interviewed.
Bail was objected to as police said that O'Kane had a relevant record and they believed he was at risk of reoffending.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott described the incident as 'obviously very serious' but said that O'Kane was 'very anxious' for his father to make a full recovery.
District Judge Barney McElholm said it was 'a dreadful assault on his own father' and added 'anyone capable of doing this to their father is capable of doing anything.'
Bail was denied and he will appear again on January 6.