A Co Londonderry man accused of throwing boiling water over another man at Strabane Magistrates’ Court has been remanded in custody. Corie McKenna, 34, of Sheskin Park in Greysteel, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday to face charges related to the incident, which occurred on Thursday.
The court heard that the attack took place shortly before 11am outside a courtroom, ahead of a preliminary hearing in a murder case. A kettle of boiling water was allegedly thrown at the brother of the murder defendant from a distance of within one metre, causing burn injuries to his face, arm, neck and back. The victim was treated at Altnagelvin Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital’s burn unit.
McKenna is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, maliciously attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon with intent, namely a kettle of boiling water. He denied the charges, telling the court he understood them and stating he had been at the court but was not involved in the assault.
Police opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the victim’s fear of further repercussions. The detective constable said the victim and his partner identified McKenna as the attacker, who was wearing a distinctive orange T-shirt. McKenna was arrested at his home later that evening.
Defence barrister Joe McCann argued for bail, noting his client’s presumption of innocence, his ties to the community, and the early stage of the investigation. He suggested that CCTV footage was not available and that many witnesses would not know McKenna. However, the judge refused bail, describing the charges as serious and stating it was not a case where bail would be granted.
McKenna was remanded in custody to appear again via video link at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on 22 April.
