Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Video attack accused ‘under loyalist threat’
18-year-old bailed over assault on girl
THREE teenagers accused of a “vicious” attack on a girl that was posted online are under potential paramilitary threat, the High Court heard yesterday.
Lawyers revealed the warning about possible consequences of any return to Bangor, Co Down, where the alleged victim, 16, was punched, kicked and had her head banged off the ground.
Opposing bail applications mounted by Cora Campbell, 18, and a 16-year-old girl, the prosecution contented both are subject to a threat from paramilitaries.
A lawyer said: “Individuals have indicated should any of the defendants in this case be released from custody and return to the Bangor area some action [will be taken].”
Campbell, from English Street in Downpatrick, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Bangor’s marina last Friday
Her lawyer claimed she became involved in a fight with the injured party after being subjected to derogatory comments on Facebook.
A boy, 17, and a 16-year-old girl facing the same charge cannot be identified because of their age. The prosecution allege the victim suffered a sustained assault after being lured to the scene.
It was claimed Campbell grabbed her by the hair and started punching her after asking: “Do you want to go now, big girl?”
She was allegedly held down while the male accused poured alcohol over her face, leaving her fearing she was choking.
A lawyer said the injured party got to her feet, was dragged back down and assaulted by having her head dunked in a fountain as she struggled to breathe.
CURFEW
The 16-year-old girl’s bid to be released from custody was adjourned to next week but Campbell’s barrister argued any threats were being directed against her without having heard the full story.
He added: “This was a fight between two equals, and then my client got the better of it.”
Granting bail for Campbell to live in Belfast, Mr Justice Mccloskey banned her from entering Bangor and any other areas covered by the potential threat.
He also ordered her to have no contact with the alleged victim or any co-accused, abide by a curfew and report to police three times a week.