‘KNIFED IN THE NECK’11

Man, 29, accused of attempted murder after former partner stabbed

A WOMAN suffered a “deep stab wound in her neck” in a knife attack, a court heard yesterday.

Details emerged as Jeff Stitt, 29, was charged with the attempted murder of his former partner.

Downpatrick Magistrate’s Court heard he is accused of stabbing the 19-year-old several times on Saturday.

A detective constable said she believed she could connect him to the offence.

Stitt, from Blenheim Drive in Newtownards, Co Down, spoke only to confirm he understood the charge. Giving evidence as she opposed bail, the detective constable said an ambulance crew alerted them to the incident at Thomas Street in the town shortly before 1pm.

Stitt was arrested at the scene while the woman was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where she is currently in a critical condition in intensive care.

The detective added the woman also suffered wounds to her abdomen, arm and hand. She said the woman told officers they had had an argument before the alleged assault.

The detective went on to say that during interview Stitt remembered details such as his former partner sitting at the table in the kitchen but recalled nothing of an assault.

The officer added: “The next thing he remembers is her on the ground with a swollen face.”

A six-inch paring knife was found in the kitchen by police.

The detective constable said she was objecting to bail due to a likelihood of an interference with witnesses.

She also pointed to the serious nature of the assault. She said injuries to the woman included the left lung being pierced, the windpipe damaged, and possible damage to right lung. She said there were also concerns about Stitt’s safety, who had a mental health history.

A defence solicitor argued his client be released on bail to stay with a relative in Blackpool.

Refusing the application District Judge Amanda Brady said: “I am not persuaded he is a suitable candidate for bail.”

Stitt was remanded in custody to appear in Newtownards Magistrate’s Court on February 2.

COURT YESTERDAY