Two men accused of allegedly assaulting another man have been refused bail and remanded in custody.

It was concerning an incident which took place on Saturday, June 18, 2022, in the Riverview area of Augher, Co. Tyrone.

Stephen Eugene McCourt (38), of McGartland Terrace, Dromore, is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent; possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a metal bar; cultivating cannabis; possession of a Class-B drug; dishonestly using electricity; common assault; driving while disqualified, and having no insurance.

He is also alleged to have breached bail on some driving offences related to another matter.

John Paul Henry (41), of Riverdale, Dungannon, is accused of cultivating cannabis; possession of a Class-B drug; dishonestly using electricity, and common assault.

On the day in question, police were called to an incident at Riverview where it was reported a person had been stabbed in the head.

Two suspects were alleged to have fled the scene in a van while another was in a nearby house.

Henry was detained at the nearby house, where he was arrested. He was identified by witnesses at the scene.

The other suspect, McCourt, returned to the scene in the van and was then arrested.

A search was conducted at a house, and further arrests were made for cultivating cannabis and dishonestly using electricity.

McCourt was also arrested for driving offences which breached his bail conditions.

On June 19, the father of the injured party from the day before gave a statement saying he had been assaulted before the incident by Henry at a shop in Augher.

The court heard police objected to bail due to no suitable address, the likelihood of interference with witnesses, and the risk of re-offending.

The officer described Henry and McCourt as “prolific offenders” with 22 and 25 convictions respectively.

Blaine Nugent, barrister for McCourt, said his client had made the case of self-defence and had to be treated for his injuries.

He added McCourt was adamant if CCTV footage was obtained from the shop in Augher, this would be proven. He also said the breach of bail was not accepted.

Colin Donnelly, a solicitor for Henry, said his client had given a comprehensive interview and a counter allegation against the alleged victims would be made.

Mr. Donnelly said his client had already been bailed on some charges.

Mr. Nugent in his submissions told the court the breach of bail was not proven, as the officer was unsure on some of their details, so how could it be accepted?

He said McCourt gave a full account of himself and that there were “tribal issues” to be dealt with, and there was enough at this stage to allow him out on bail.

However, in his findings, District Judge Steven Keown said both men were “violent offenders” and were before the court on serious offences, and that re-offending risk was high and could not be managed on bail.

McCourt and Henry were remanded in custody to appear again at Dungannon Magistrates Court on July 6 via video link.