Janice R. Andrews
After a 16-year-old kid was stabbed in the abdomen and had part of his bowel removed, a Co Down couple was charged today. Residents of Ballynahinch’s Hillcrest Drive, Holly Kilmartin (20) and her boyfriend, Joseph Skelly (20), appeared via videolink at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court and were charged with grievous bodily harm.
The allegations include common assault, attempting to cause serious bodily injury with purpose on another 16-year-old, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent while in possession of a weapon. March 30 is when the claimed incidents took place.
Police testimonies stated that witnesses saw Skelly brandishing a knife, and Kilmartin was accused of kicking the victim while he was on the ground. A 999 call was made after the event, which happened in Ballynahinch near a community center.
During police interrogation, both defendants denied committing the crimes, but testimonies from witnesses confirmed Skelly and Kilmartin’s involvement. But at first, the prison sergeant denied them bail because he was worried about possible consequences and the fact that they didn’t have an appropriate location.
Kilmartin was given bail by the court with stipulations that included living in Belfast, avoiding communication with Skelly or witnesses, adhering to a curfew, being electronically tagged, and not being allowed to enter Ballynahinch.
Skelly was also granted bail under identical circumstances, with the court requiring an address that had been authorized by the police. Skelly had suggested living with a cousin in west Belfast.
District Judge Eamon King stressed the gravity of the allegations and the necessity of severe bail requirements in light of the case’s specifics.
