Gang 'stabbed and beat migrant'

A Lithuanian gang tried to stab a Portuguese migrant worker in the eye before stabbing him in the back with a carving fork, a court has been told.

The attack allegedly occurred in Cookstown on 25 May.

On Friday, Vitalijus Virvilas, 24, who denies grievous bodily harm with intent, false imprisonment, theft and burglary, was refused bail.

The High Court heard there had been at least another six such attacks on migrant workers in the area recently.

Prosecutors said many more were too scared to tell police.

Crown counsel Naomh Lavery said: "This type of crime has become much more prevalent in the Cookstown and Dungannon areas in recent months.

"There have been approximately six similar types of incident (but) from speaking to members of the Lithuanian community, police estimate that the number is much greater, although not all incidents are reported through fear."

The court heard the Portuguese man was punched repeatedly and suffered stab wounds to his arm and thigh, a punctured lung, a suspected fractured jaw and eye damage.

Ms Lavery said the victim was picked up in a car by up to four Lithuanians, believing he was going to sample drugs.

Knife

It was alleged the men then demanded money and shouted at him before launching their assault.

According to the prosecution a knife was produced and an attempt made to stab him in the eye, which he was able to block with his arm.

One of the gang tried to break his fingers while another was poking him in the eyes, the court heard.

A defence lawyer said Mr Virvilas denies the charges against him and claimed the reason for the meeting was so a co-accused could buy drugs from the victim.

The barrister told the court his client said he was the driver of the car and remained in the front seat when a violent dispute broke out in the rear.

It was claimed that a completely wrong and exaggerated role had been attributed to Mr Virvilas.

Bail was refused after Mr Justice Treacy said there was a risk of interference with witnesses.