Man faces murder bid charge

Man faces murder bid charge

13 December 2017

A 21 year-old Downpatrick man has been remanded in custody charged with the attempted murder of a man at the weekend.

Adam Kerr, from Saul Street, appeared at Downpatrick Court on Monday morning charged with attempting to murder Caylan Milligan in Downpatrick in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Appearing in the dock, Kerr confirmed he understood the charge and two others levelled against him.

He is also charged with unlawfully assaulting Nathan Drake and the criminal damage of cupboard doors belonging to Ryan Wilson. These offences are also alleged to have been committed on Sunday.

The charges arose after 22 year-old Mr Milligan suffered what police later said were serious stab wounds to his side in an incident just after 3.30am at Ardilea Park, just off the Killough Road.

Police were called to the scene just after 4am and found Mr Milligan with stab wounds to his side and back. He was taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment to injuries which were later described as “not believed to be life threatening.”

Yesterday in court a police officer gave evidence saying he believed he could connect Kerr to the offences.

As defence barrister, Paul McAlinden did not lodge a bail application, District Judge, Ms Amanda Brady, remanded Kerr into custody to appear again on Thursday.

Mr McAlinden told the court he may be applying for Kerr’s release at that stage.

Detectives have appealed for information from anyone who was in the area of Ardilea Park at the time or who has any other knowledge of the incident.

Detective Sergeant Peter Stewart made a specific appeal about the knife believed to have been used in the attack.

“We believe a knife may have been discarded after the assault and would ask the public in the Killough Road area to be vigilant and report any suspicious items they see to police immediately,” he said.

“We are also appealing to anyone who was in the area between 3.30am and 4am and witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could help our investigation, to contact detectives at Downpatrick on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 401 of 10/12/17,” added sergeant Stewart.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100 per cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” said the officer.

Two local politicians have appealed to the public to help the police with their investigations.

Sinn Fein MLA, Emma Rogan, wished Mr Milligan a speedy recovery and said she was horrified a young life could easily have been taken.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the PSNI detectives immediately,” she said.

South Down SDLP representative, Margaret Ritchie, said she knew that the residents of the Flying Horse estate reject such acts of violence.

“Such attack must not be allowed to become the hallmark of our society,” she said.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding this attack to provide it to police so that all the details can be made available and that those responsible for this reprehensible act can be made amenable to the due process of the law,” said Miss Ritchie.