A man from Cork allegedly punched and kicked an assault victim until he became unconscious in Belfast city centre, a court has heard.
Wayne McCarthy is accused of inflicting multiple blows which led to the other man being taken to hospital in an unresponsive state.
The 37-year-old defendant confirmed that he is denying a charge of causing grievous bodily harm. McCarthy was granted bail to live at an address which must be approved by police.
Paramedics and PSNI officers were alerted after CCTV operators observed the alleged assault at Castle Place in the early hours of March 30.
Belfast Magistrates Court heard the injured party was punched to the head up to eight times and kicked on the ground while in an unconscious state.
He lay on his back for approximately one minute before he was able to get back onto his feet.
“The victim was spoken to by police but then became unresponsive and had to be taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital,” a prosecuting lawyer said.
He was initially intubated at the intensive care unit due to his condition.
McCarthy, of no fixed abode, is allegedly linked to the attack by CCTV footage and an account from a witness.
He was arrested close to the scene on Donegall Place.
When the charge was formally put to him, McCarthy replied: “Not guilty.”
Defence solicitor Paul Dougan argued that his client has now been held behind bars for longer than any custodial sentence a magistrates’ court can impose if ultimately convicted. He also disclosed that McCarthy is originally from Cork but moved to Northern Ireland for work purposes.
“He’s been in this jurisdiction since the early part of this year,” Mr Dougan added.
Granting bail to McCarthy based on the time already spent in custody, District Judge Steven Keown imposed a night-time curfew and alcohol ban.
He also ordered: “There is to be no contact with the complainant.”