An Armagh man accused of attempted aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm whilst armed with a hammer is to face Crown Court proceedings later this year.
The 43-year-old appeared at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Andrew Clarke, of Greenfield Way, is charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and two counts of criminal damage.
As the charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is alleged to have committed these offences on April 3, 2016.
Clarke is accused of entering as a trespasser a building situated on Ashley Gardens, Armagh, with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on the injured party therein and at the time of the said attempt to enter had with him a hammer.
The defendant is also alleged to have damaged a front door and a car belonging to the same male.
Appearing in court, Clarke made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Conn O’Neill made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
The defendant was released on his own bail of £500 to appear before Newry Crown Court on June 3 for arraignment.
