A man who allegedly subjected two boys and their father to racist assaults in north Belfast is to be granted bail, a High Court judge has ruled.
David Fulton, 61, is accused of headbutting one of the brothers before telling another victim to “get back on your boat”.
Mr Justice Fowler on Tuesday agreed to release him from custody on strict conditions to live at a remote caravan site outside the city.
Fulton, of Mackey Street in Belfast, is charged with three racially motivated common assaults on members of the family who moved to Northern Ireland from Africa.
The court heard the brothers, aged 13 and 17, were targeted as they walked along Upper Canning Street on August 14.
Fulton allegedly got out of a car and challenged them, grabbed the younger boy by the scruff of the neck and asked him: “What the f*** did you say?”
As the older brother stepped in to offer protection, it was claimed Fulton threw a punch and headbutted him, cutting his lip.
Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins submitted that the defendant then turned on the teenagers’ father when he emerged from their home to confront him.
“Fulton grabbed the father by the neck, saying ‘I’ll get you back in the boat in two minutes, get back in your boat’,” the prosecutor submitted.
Members of a crowd gathered at the scene were said to have shouted at the victims, telling them they had 24 hours to get out.
“Police and the injured parties believe they were specifically targeted because of the colour of their skin,” Mr Higgins added.
Fulton has already made admissions in connection with some of the assaults and is “ashamed” of his actions, the court heard previously.
He was initially denied bail last month based on the alleged inflammatory and offensive circumstances.
But a further review was listed to establish if the defendant will be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court, or be returned for trial at the Crown Court where tougher sentencing powers are available.
Mr Justice Fowler was informed that no decision has been taken on the forum for the case.
“I asked for clarity in relation to that (but) that hasn’t been forthcoming, I’m going to grant bail,” the judge said.
Amid concerns the alleged victims live close to Fulton’s home, he was ordered to reside under curfew at a caravan site in Co Down.
He is also prohibited from contacting the injured parties or entering part of north Belfast as part of the bail terms.