A father and son are to stand trial accused of fracturing a man’s skull in a hammer attack.
Paul Kearns 59, and Christopher Kearns, 30, allegedly subjected the victim to a random assault in south Belfast which left him with a bleed on the brain.
The pair were arrested based on CCTV footage of the incident outside their home at Tates Avenue on July 25 last year.
Both men have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
Christopher Kearns faces a further count of escaping from lawful custody following his initial detention.
A previous court heard claims that the victim was trailed from a car parking area before having his head stamped on and struck off the ground.
Both defendants were allegedly involved in attacking him with a hammer during an assault which lasted nearly 30 minutes, according to police.
He was taken to hospital for treatment to head, face and leg injuries, spending a period of time unconscious and in a critical condition.
The two accused, who remain in custody, appeared together remotely at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a preliminary enquiry hearing.
They each confirmed that they understood the charges against them but declined to give any evidence or call witnesses at this stage.
Defence lawyers did not dispute prosecution submissions that the father and son have prima facie cases to answer.
Granting the Crown’s application, District Judge Steven Keown confirmed: “They will be returned to the Crown Court on a date to be fixed and in custody.”