A MAN accused of unlawfully killing a man and attempting to murder of his son during an incident in October 2022 has been returned for trial.
Paul Brown died after suffering a heart attack which it is contended was caused by physical and emotional stress, while his son sustained serious injuries.
Appearing for a committal hearing at Omagh Magistrates Court on Tuesday was Deon Fullen from Slievecoole Park, Omagh but bailed to reside at Springvale, Dungannon who is also charged with possessing a large, bladed weapon with intent to commit murder.
He spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges.
Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter remanded Fullen on continuing bail to attend for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on a date to be fixed next month.
A detective from the PSNI Major Investigation Team previously explained police responded to reports of a man armed with a machete and Mr Brown (53) was tending to his son who had sustained multiple serious injuries.
At some point Mr Brown “became unresponsive” and was taken to South West Acute Hospital where he passed away a short time later.
His son was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital then transferred to the Ulster Hospital where he underwent specialist surgery.
The detective said enquiries revealed Mr Brown had been celebrating his birthday in an Omagh bar with his son.
An altercation broke out between Fullen and Mr Brown’s son in the bar which was broken up.
It is believed that after that they went to the area of Fullen’s home from which he allegedly emerged brandishing a machete and a hatchet.
An incident occurred after which Fullen made off and extensive searches were unsuccessful, however he returned around five hours later and was arrested.
During interview he stated acted in self-defence in the bar altercation, claiming this was started by the victim’s son.
He provided “no comment” to all other questions including whether he had a weapon.
However after four days of interview Fullen claimed that Mr Brown, “threatened to shoot him”.
The court heard the injured son required extensive surgery and he remained in hospital.
He identified Fullen, whom he knew having attended the same school, running at him and his father brandishing a weapon above his head.
Bail was refused at that point but later granted on very strict terms.