Bar Brawl Recalled At McCartney Trial

The trial of the man accused of killing Short Strand victim, Robert McCartney has heard that his best friend will "never forget," the expression on his alleged killer's face.

Belfast Crown Court yesterday heard witness Brendan Devine describe how he too had been attacked and even had his throat cut.

He allegedly saw 61-year-old Terence Davison "gouging" at Mr McCartney's face. He told prosecuting QC Ciaran Murphy: "I will not forget the expression on his face 'til the day I die."

The accused denies killing the 30-year-old father-of-two in January 2005 while his co-accused, 39-year-old James McCormick and Joseph Fitzpatrick both deny causing an affray.

Mr Devine, who had known Mr McCartney for almost two decades, said they had been drinking and watching football in Magennis's Bar when an argument broke out over a rude gesture which Mr McCartney had made with Davison's wife mistakenly thinking it had been directed at her.

He claimed he had tried to calm the situation down and offered to buy the ladies drinks but that the next thing he knew, he was hit over the head with a bottle and his throat was cut - three times.

Mr Devine said that covered in blood, he went outside with his best friend and two other men but were followed by a gang of up to six men and chased into nearby Market Street.

As he fled the scene, Mr Devine told the court he looked back and saw Mr McCartney standing "with his hands up shouting 'nobody deserves this' and that as he walked back towards him, he saw Davison "gouging at his face."

See: Police reissue McCartney murder appeal

(BMcC)