A BARE-KNUCKLE boxer and his wife are to stand trial in respect of their alleged roles in a street brawl during which a man sustained fatal injuries, allegedly caused by a scythe-type device.

However, due to the nature of the incident, counter-allegations emerged, resulting in charges against members of the victim’s family.

All accused appeared by video-link from their respective lawyers’ offices at Belfast Crown Court today (Thursday, October 7), where it was contended the death occurred as a result of self-defence.

Joseph Joyce (31), originally from Coolcullen Meadows, Enniskillen, but bailed to reside at Clon Enagh, Londonderry, is charged with murdering John Paul McDonagh on April 11, 2020, as well as wounding his brother, Gerard McDonagh, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

It is further alleged he was in possession of a curved-bladed device and a bottle of ammonia as offensive weapons.

Ellen Joyce (30), of the same address, is accused of twice assaulting Caroline McDonagh, another member of the victim’s family, as well as possessing a bottle of ammonia as a weapon with intent to commit assault.

In respect of counter-allegations made by Mr. and Mrs. Joyce against the victim’s family, Gerard Christopher McDonagh (25), from Lisnafin Park, Strabane, and a youth, are jointly charged with attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on Mr. Joyce.

Mr. McDonagh is further accused of having a spade and a bottle as offensive weapons.

All accused deny the charges against them.

Two other members of the victim’s family are facing charges; however, these were not put to them during today’s hearing.

A youth is charged with having a knife and encouraging the commission of an offence by handing a spade to Mr McDonagh.

Finally, Caroline McDonagh (25), from Meelmore Drive, Omagh, is accused of assaulting Mrs. Joyce.

The cases of them have been adjourned.

Mr. Justice O’Hara remanded all defendants on strict bail and listed all matters for mention on November 29.

When the case first came to court last year, a detective advised Mr. Joyce accepted having a scythe-type device – also described in court as a weed-cutter, or a slash hook – because he “genuinely feared for his life”.

The victim was struck on the back of his leg, with the device severely injuring a vital artery. Police carried out CPR at the scene before paramedics took over.

He suffered three cardiac arrests while undergoing treatment at the South West Acute Hospital, where his condition became “critical and unstable”.

A decision was taken to amputate the badly injured leg above the knee to save Mr. McDonagh’s life. However, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away.

While Joyce travelled to Cavan in the aftermath, he later handed himself in, expressing “deep regret that John McDonagh died”.

It was claimed he acted in self-defence and “didn’t intend to kill, or cause serious injury, and is sincerely sorry for the loss to the McDonagh family”.

The entire incident was captured by CCTV cameras and mobile phones, with the detective describing it as “very violent ... it was only going to end in serious injury or death”.