Derry boxer in court accused of one-punch attack which resulted in man needing resuscitation

A 20-year-old Derry amateur boxer has appeared at the city’s Magisrates Court after a one-punch attack in the early hours of yesterday morning resulted in a man needing resuscitation after his heart stopped.

Martin McDonald, of Cromore Gardens in the Creggan area, appeared charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

The court heard police were alerted by CCTV operatives in the city to an incident which allegedly showed McDonald punching a man in the face outside a nightclub on Shipquay Street.

The court was told McDonald was followed by CCTV operatives as he took off his top and handed it to a woman before going to a kebab shop.

The court heard the victim was rendered unconscious, was found to have no heartbeat and had to be resuscitated by CPR from a nurse who happened to be on the scene.

He was resuscitated a second time at Altnagelvin Hospital.

The victim is still in hospital in a stable condition.

He sustained a contusion to the brain and a suspected broken cheekbone, eye socket and jaw.

McDonald was released on £1,000 bail with a £750 surety, he must observe a 6.30pm to 6.30am, be electronically tagged, banned from drinking alcohol and must not enter within the City Walls and must sign twice a week at Strand Road police station.

District Judge Barney McElholm said: “Quite honestly, I think he should be going to prison for this offence. One single breach, that's all the chances he's getting, he will go into custody.'

McDonald is due back in court again on 7 April next.

See Monday's Derry News for the full report.