Son accused of trying to strangle dad denied bail

A MAN allegedly tried to strangle his elderly father with a telephone cable, the High Court has heard.

Alan Lockhead also inflicted knife wounds to both parents in an outburst of violence at their Belfast home, prosecutors claimed.

The 54-year-old, with an address at Old Kent Road in Lon- don, faces charges of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possessing an offensive weapon — namely a meat cleaver. Bail was refused amid concerns about possible re-offending.

The court was told Lockhead returned from England earlier this year in a bid to rekindle family relationships.

It was claimed that while staying with his parents — who are both aged in their 70s — a row flared on March 22. According to the prosecution he wrapped a telephone cable around his father’s throat and tried to strangle him.

The pensioner managed to get a finger under the wiring during the struggle, a judge was told.

He was also said to have sustained wounds to his head which required a number of staples.

Lockhead’s mother was allegedly slashed at and injured when she tried to intervene.

Defence counsel Sean Mullan said his client had gone through a difficult period of alcohol abuse. He described how Lockhead came back from London to see his own children after gaining some stability in his life.

Mr Mullan added that no admissions have been made over the alleged attack on the defendant’s parents.

But denying bail, Mr Justice Deeny ruled that Lockhead must remain in custody.