Strabane men allegedly 'stomped' on man's head in Derry city centre

Two men with addresses in Strabane have appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with assaulting a man in the city centre when he was allegedly 'stomped' on the head.

Daniel McColgan (27) of Lisnafin Park and Josh McLaughlin (28) of Melmount Mews both in Strabane were charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent on a man on November 26.

They were also charged with disorderly behaviour in Shipquay Place on the same date. 

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

The court heard that around 5.40pm CCTV operators reported two men assaulting another man at Shipquay Gate. 

The two defendants were seen talking with each other before approaching the alleged victim who was described as being 'vulnerable'.

They were said to have engaged in conversation with the man before one of the defendants launched what was described as 'a haymaker' which missed and then a second punch which connected causing the alleged victim to strike his head off the wall.

The court heard that as he was falling to the ground the second defendant stomped on him. 

The two then made off in the direction of the bus depot where they were detained. 

Both made no comment interviews.

The officer opposed bail due to the risk of re-offending and said police had 'grave concerns' about the level of violence used.

The defence solicitor for McLaughlin, Mr Oliver Roche, said that as yet there was no complaint from the alleged victim and said there was a presumption of innocence. 

Solicitor for McColgan, John McManus, said his client had a limited record and could be released with conditions. 

Both men were released on bail on condition they do not enter Derry, have no contact with each other or the alleged victim and do not take alcohol. 

Both will appear again on January 9.