'Mindless rampage' of brothers

Mr McCracken was attacked with a hammer

Two west Belfast brothers have gone on trial charged with what was described in court as "a rampage of mindless violence".

Maureen McCracken wept in court as she heard how her husband Maurice was "virtually bludgeoned" about the head with a hammer as they slept in bed early on 9 March 2003.

Mr McCracken, 55, was left severely brain damaged and unable to walk following the attack at his south Belfast home.

Two families in nearby houses in the affluent Malone - Balmoral area were also attacked on the same morning.

Gerard Donegan, 23, and his 20-year-old brother Kevin Moyna, also known as Barry Donegan, both from Ross Road, denied attempting to murder Mr McCracken.

Gerard Donegan has pleaded guilty to 15 offences, including causing grievous bodily harm to Mr McCracken.

His brother denies assaulting the victims and causing grievous bodily harm.

He admits taking and driving away, and simple burglary - a plea not accepted by the prosecution.

Prosecuting barrister Terence Mooney QC told Belfast Crown Court on Tuesday that the purpose of the brothers' "mindless violence" was to steal cars while claiming to be from the IRA.

The case continues.