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Man charged with garage forecourt attempted murder

Thursday, 5 January 2012

A Ballymena man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.
Melvyn David Bamber of Clonavon Road, was denied bail at North Antrim Magistrate's Court sitting in Coleraine on Wednesday December 28.
The court heard the charge was connected to an assault at a North Road garage forecourt in the early hours of December 27
The 23-year-old defendant spoke only to confirm he understood the charge.
A detective constable said he believed he could connect him to an attack he described as a "severe kicking."
During a contested bail application the police officer said the victim was found by paramedics unconscious and bleeding from both ears at around six o'clock last Tuesday morning.
He said his injuries included a broken jaw and severe head injuries. He was taken to Antrim Area hospital where he remains unconscious.
Detective Constable Lewis told the court CCTV footage identified the victim and the defendant apparently on friendly terms at the garage night hatch moments before the incident.
Though the assault was not captured, two witnesses described how the defendant punched his victim on the chin before kicking him in the ribs and head.
According the police officer, they saw him stamping on the victim before lifting and punching his motionless body three more times.
The defendant was arrested two hours later at an address in Ballymena and while he admitted being in the garage forecourt he denied carrying out the assault.
“He said he didn't do it because he was not the sort of person to do that to a friend," added the detective constable.
A defence lawyer confirmed his client denied any involvement in the assault and pointed out there was no CCTV footage to prove the allegation.
He suggested Bamber would adhere to strict bail conditions were he to be released, telling the court custody would jeopardise his studies at the local further education college
District Judge Richard Wilson refused the application on the grounds the defendant posed a risk of committing further offences and was already in breach of bail conditions on another case.
The judge said the defendant had a "certain propensity" for similar behaviour and was at risk of interfering with witnesses.
Bamber was remanded in custody until January 19 when he will appear again via video link at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

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