Northern Ireland

Man accused of stabbing gambling consultant granted bail but banned from entering Belfast

The 25-year-old is charged with attempted murder over an incident at the Scottish Provident Building in Belfast city centre
The 25-year-old is charged with attempted murder over an incident at the Scottish Provident Building in Belfast city centre

A man who allegedly stabbed a gambling consultant at his offices in Belfast is to be banned from entering the city, a judge has ordered.

The prohibition was imposed on Cameron McClements (25) as part of strict terms under which he was granted bail.

He is charged with attempted murder over the incident at the Scottish Provident Building on September 10 last year.

Police have claimed the victim was stabbed up to five times as he tried to escape from the premises on Donegall Square West in the city centre.

McClements, of Gloucester Park in Hillsborough, Co Down, faces a further count of possessing a kitchen knife in public.

The two men were said to have become acquainted through a gambling website, with the defendant allegedly launching the attack after arriving for an afternoon meeting.

A previous court heard he was suffering from a psychotic episode at the time and indications were given that the charges will be defended on the grounds of insanity.

During a renewed bail application at the High Court today, a consultant psychiatrist said McClements is in remission following months of hospital treatment.

He is now ready to be discharged and would kept under a review involving long-acting medication.

Questioned by prosecution counsel Lauren Cheshire, the psychiatrist confirmed he would alert the authorities if any treatment was refused.

Ms Cheshire said the alleged victim has now returned to work and is fearful.

"The relationship between the two parties was not close, but it was not one of total strangers," she said.

"It's incumbent on me to relay to the court the level of extreme distress the injured party is currently dealing with at the prospect of a release on bail."

Mr Justice Huddleston held that McClements should be granted bail under "very stringent conditions", including only leaving the house if accompanied by one of his parents.