Bail refused to man accused of threat to shoot his mother

A MAN allegedly threatened to shoot his mother and broke her partner’s ribs after being challenged about s uspected drink-driving, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors claimed that Phillip Irwin attacked the couple at their home in Portavogie, Co Down.

The 39-year-old denies charges of causing grievous bodily harm, common assault and threats to kill.

Bail was refused due to the risk of committing any further offences.

Crown lawyer Kate McKay claimed Irwin, currently of no fixed abode, arrived in a new car at his mother’s house in the village on May 7.

Ir win had a shower, came downstairs and declared that he was heading out, the court heard.

But according to the prosecution, a row broke out when his mother’s partner suggested it would be foolish to drive because he may be under the influence of drink or drugs.

Irwin allegedly punched the man in the mouth, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his ribs against a kitchen worktop on the way down.

It was claimed the accused then hit his mother on the head and, before leaving, threatened that he would shoot her if she phoned the police.

Her partner was later treated in hospital for three broken ribs and a broken toe, the court heard.

Irwin is further charged with driving while disqualified, making off without paying for petrol, and breaching a Violent Offences Prevention Order ( VOPO) over separate incidents on the same date.

During police interviews Irwin claimed that his mother and her partner had inflicted each other’s injuries in a vodka-fuelled argument.

Defence counsel Michael Ward submitted: “He said both of them were highly intoxicated, became involved in some argument and then set upon him when he came downstairs.”

Mr Ward also contended that his client has been subject to the VOPO for 16 months without any prior issues.

But ruling that Irwin must remain in custody, Mr Justice Colton said: “This man is not a suitable candidate for bail.” WHO would you like to give a rose to?

Ahead of the city’s annual Rose Week, Belfast City Council is asking visitors to nominate someone they would like to see receive a rose.

The family fun event gets under way on Monday, July 16, and along with the spectacle of colourful roses there will be a host of activities.

The event is free, and to add to this year’s fun at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, nomination winners will receive one of the rose plants from the Lord Mayor.

A free shuttle bus will ferry visitors from the grounds of Belfast City Hall to the park every 20 minutes throughout the week.

Nominations can be made on Belfast City Council’s social media using #roseweek18 with pictures from the park or via an entry form from the information marquee.