Man accused of broken bottle attack throws chair in courtroom

A 21-year-old man accused of slashing a man with a broken bottle in Derry yesterday threw a chair when he appeared in court today and was restrained by four custody officers.

Marc Villa, of John Street, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon, namely a broken glass bottle.

The offences are said to have taken place yesterday on Strand Road.

Villa is accused of getting into an altercation with the ex-partner of his current girlfriend.

He was then said to have smashed a bottle and lunged at his neck but slashed the man's arm in the process.

The man required eight stitches.

Deputy District Judge Joe Rice refused bail saying: 'My concern would be if I were to release him it would re-ignite a long-running domestic row, I think there has to be an opportunity for the passions to subside.'

Judge Rice remanded Villa in custody, at which point he threw a chair across the courtroom and made a threat to the investigating officer calling him a 'ginger b******'.’

Those present in the courtroom had to move out of the way of the chair that was thrown and four custody officers had to restrain Villa.

Judge Rice asked that a note be taken of the threat made to the police officer.

Villa was remanded in custody and will appear back before the court on July 16.