A 25-YEAR-OLD man accused of assaulting a nurse and a porter during an incident at the Accident and Emergency department in the South West Acute Hospital earlier this summer has been returned for trial.

Jason Magerr, of Carnmore Lodge, Cornagrade, Enniskillen, is charged with two counts of common assault, damaging glasses belonging to the nurse, also damaging hospital equipment and a monitor screen and knowingly interfering with the carrying on of a lawful activity in a public building on June 21 this year.

Magerr, who is currently serving time on remand in custody, appeared in the dock at Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday for a preliminary enquiry – the last stage in the legal process before a case involving indictable offences is transferred to a higher court.

A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told the court that, based on the papers submitted, the defendant had a case to answer. There was no contrary submission at this stage by defending counsel, Gavin Cairns, instructed by solicitor Garry Smyth.

After district judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that he was “satisfied” there was a prima facie case to answer, the defendant declined to answer the five charges against him. He also declined at this stage to give evidence himself, call any witnesses or tender any written statements of a witness.

Mr Broderick remanded the defendant in custody to appear for arraignment before Dungannon Crown Court on Tuesday, September 22.