Derry man sent to Crown Court over alleged hammer assault

A man has been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on a series of charges relating to an incident in the Lawrence Hill area.

Matthew McCloskey (28) of Lawrence Hill in Derry appeared at a Preliminary Enquiry at the local Magistrate's Court today.

He was charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to a man with intent on April 17 2026.

He was also charged with possessing an offensive weapon namely a hammer and one charge of assault on the same date.

It was accepted that there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions.

McCloskey said he did not wish to call any witnesses or make any statement at this stage.

He was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on November 12 in custody.