A NEWCASTLE man has been charged with attempting to murder a family member at the weekend in what has been described as a “truly horrific” sword attack.
Appearing before District Judge Mr Mark Hamill at Newtownards Courthouse yesterday morning, five charges were put to 33-year-old Keith Frederick Alexander Matthews, with his legal representative going on to tell the court that “this matter was of a domestic nature” which “involved a member of the family”.
The Ballaghbeg Park resident is charged with attempting to murder a male on Sunday, and that this offence was aggravated by domestic abuse.
He is further alleged to have caused grievous bodily harm to him and that he was in possession of a sword, with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, and that these offences were also aggravated by reasons of domestic abuse.
Matthews also faces two charges of possessing knives in public, within the vicinity of Donard Street in Newcastle, also on 21 July.
At the time of his detention, detectives told the media that the victim sustained a “severe” arm injury, as well as facial wounds, during an incident at a house at Ballaghbeg Park, which was reported to emergency services shortly before 3.45am on Sunday.
Officers also confirmed the weapon used “is believed to have been a sword” and that it was also believed the victim was struck over the head “repeatedly with an object”.
Just after 10.30am on Sunday, and with the scene still cordoned off, police confirmed an arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
Officers were subsequently granted an extension to interview the accused.
He was then charged, late on Monday night, and brought to court yesterday morning.
During this brief hearing, a detective constable told the court she believed she could connect Matthews to the charges.
The accused’s solicitor told the court that no application for bail was being made.
Matthews was remanded in custody to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court via video-link, on 15 August.
In the wake of the incident, local MLAs Andrew McMurray and Colin McGrath said they hoped the victim made a swift recovery.
Describing the incident as “truly horrific,” Mr McMurray said: “My thoughts are with the victim of the attack, who I wish a speedy and full recovery.”
The Alliance representative added: “Newcastle is a peaceful and welcoming town, and this incident does not reflect the values of those living there.”
Echoing some of Mr McMurray’s views, Mr McGrath (SDLP) said: “I hope that the person injured recovers quickly.
“Newcastle is a peaceful and tourist-driven area, and this behaviour is unacceptable and not reflective of the community here.”
