File almost ready in US honeymooner murder bid case

PROSECUTORS are still compiling a file against an American man accused of attempting to murder three men in Co Antrim while visiting the area on his honeymoon, Ballymena Magistrates’ Court was told yesterday.

Nicholas Keith Warner (31), an electrical engineer from Summerville in South Carolina, was excused from attending the latest hearing because he previously had his bail varied to allow him to return home.

A prosecutor said the majori- ty of a file connected to the case was complete, through medical evidence remained outstanding.

Warner was charged after three men — one in his 60s and the others in their 30s — were stabbed during a disturbance outside a bar in Ballycarry on August 11.

The accused faces six charges — three of attempted murder and one each of possessing a knife, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and causing affray.

The defendant previously appeared at court using crutches after suffering a leg injury during the incident in question.

Nicholas Keith Warner, from South Carolina, and the pub in Ballycarry

A previous hearing was told that Warner and his wife left

the bar by the front door after an incident inside, with the complainants leaving by a rear door. CCTV footage allegedly showed the trio running after the couple, with Warner falling to the ground and a man circling him while kicking at his head.

That court heard the footage also showed Warner getting up and stumbling away, pursued by a group of men.

A police officer confirmed the defendant’s own phone had been used to contact the emergency services.

The case was adjourned until January, when the defendant will again be excused from attending court.