Larne Man In Court Over 'Samurai Sword Attack'

A man has appeared in court in County Antrim today charged with offences relating to a samurai sword attack.

Richard Hartin, aged 33, from St John's Place, Larne is accused of swinging the weapon - which he bought on internet auction site eBay - at a police officer's head during disturbances in Larne last February.

He is charged with attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. However, he denies the charges.

The High Court heard the man had burst out of his door brandishing the samurai sword after a policeman arrived at the scene. The officer had been responding to an early morning 999 call from the accused that youths in the area had been making noise.

A Crown lawyer said upon opening the door, Harin "then swung the sword at the constable's head and shoulders".

"My instructions are the officer had to get out of the way to avoid being struck with it," the lawyer told the bail application. "The constable then had to draw his gun to challenge the applicant to put the sword down."

Hartin was released on bail. He has been ordered to abide by a curfew and report to police three times a week. He also had to put up sureties of £1,400.

(JM/NS)