Two Derry men alleged to have 'stomped' on victim's head remanded in custody

Two men have been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates' Court today charged in connection with an assault on April 12 in which they are alleged to have 'stomped' on the victim's head.

Brian Friel (23) of Bishop Street and Shane Coyle (26) of Kingsmere Gardens both in Derry were jointly charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent on a man on a man on April 12.

Both were further charged with assaulting a female on the same date as well as an assault on a man occasioning actual bodily harm on the same date. 

Coyle was further charged with harassment on the female that was assaulted as well as drug charges including possessing cocaine with intent to supply on April 13.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. 

The court heard that police attended a reported domestic incident where they were told the two defendants had assaulted a man by kicking and stomping on his head as he lay on the ground. 

The female in the case was Coyle's former partner and she further alleged that he had been harassing her over the previous days.

On April 13 police attended Coyle's address at 5am in connection with the assault. 

Entry was refused and the officer said Coyle could be seen hiding something in a bin.

When entry was gained police found 'ten grammes of pure cocaine' along with deal bags.

A further bag of suspected cocaine was also found.

In a prepared statement Coyle admitted the drugs and said they were for personal use. 

But the court heard that the defendant refused to give his PIN number for the phone which the officer said they believed contained evidence linked to the harassment charge and the drugs charges.

As regards the assaults Coyle claimed to be acting in self-defence. 

Friel made a no comment interview.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of reoffending. 

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott for Friel said his client had no record and was denying the charges. 

He said he could be managed with conditions as it could be many months before this case comes to trial.

Defence solicitor for Coyle, Keith Kyle said this was not 'the largest drugs haul' and the defendant had given an explanation. 

Bail was refused for both men and they were remanded in custody to appear again on May 8.