Men remanded on attack charges

Two men have appeared in court in Belfast in connection with an attack on a man in County Antrim.

Trevor Gowdy, from Ballyclare, was found unconscious at Cloyne Crescent, Monkstown, County Antrim, after four men attacked him with a iron bar and a hatchet.

David Hugh Miller, 31, from York Park, Belfast, and Alexander Wood, 27, from Milewater Way, New Mossley, appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday.

Mr Miller is charged with attempted murder, false imprisonment and setting fire to Mr Gowdy's car.

Mr Wood is charged with conspiring to cause him grievous bodily harm.

A detective told the court that when Mr Miller was charged he replied: "Not guilty to all three".

The officer said Mr Wood made no reply when charged.

Mr Gowdy suffered skull fractures, a broken leg, stab wounds and bruising all over his body in the attack.

Both men were remanded in custody until 15 August.

A large crowd of supporters were in the public gallery and they waved and gave thumbs up signs as the defendants were taken to the cells.