Man (18) accused of stabbing his friend

Man (18) accused of stabbing his friend

24 June 2020

AN 18-year-old man accused of stabbing his friend at a birthday party in Shrigley at the weekend has claimed that he “blacked out”, a court has been told.

Taylor Davidson allegedly inflicted three knife wounds to his victim’s leg and hip during a row at a house in Osborne Drive on Sunday morning.

Davidson — of Highbury Avenue in Killyleagh — appeared before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Belfast, on Monday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He also faces further counts of possessing an offensive weapon with intent and criminal damage by spitting in a PSNI vehicle following arrest.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital by air ambulance for treatment to what police said were “severe, but not life threatening injuries”.

The alleged attack occurred after a 21st birthday party, with a detective claiming that Davidson had been asked to leave, but responded by punching the victim twice. He is then accused of subsequently stabbing the injured party with a knife from a set in the property.

During interviews, Davidson said he had taken a cocktail of alcohol, cocaine and pills, the court heard.

“The defendant stated that he had blacked out as a result of the drink and drugs,” the detective added.

Defence solicitor Joe Mulholland said everyone at the party was binging on spirits and beer.

He argued that Davidson had been trying to take a knife from the victim, fearing he was going to harm himself.

“My client is truly shocked, he’s saying he can’t remember it and didn’t intend to do it,” Mr Mulholland said.

Despite offering an address outside Killyleagh, Davidson was refused bail due to the risk of re-offending.

District Judge Mark Hamill said his concern was that Davidson man allegedly stabbed his friend three times and remanded the accused in custody to appear again next month.