Lee Whyte, 33, of Finmore Court in Belfast, and Jonathan Beggs, 35, face charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon after a knife incident at a house in the Bentinck Street area.

The men, described in court as long-standing friends, began drinking together at a house linked to Beggs on the morning of March 26. An investigating detective stated they also took cocaine and became intoxicated.

Police and paramedics responded to reports of a stabbing shortly after 2pm. Whyte sustained a punctured lung. Beggs received treatment for a chest wound.

In interviews, Whyte and Beggs each claimed the other attacked first and denied their own violent actions. The detective noted neither could explain the other's injuries.

Whyte appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court. Beggs, who had appeared on Saturday, remains remanded in custody on the same charges and an additional count of disorderly behaviour at hospital.

Police opposed Whyte’s bail application, citing his propensity for violence. District Judge Steven Keown refused bail, remanding Whyte in custody until April 27. The judge cited Whyte’s uncontrolled drug problem and significant risks.

Whyte’s barrister Michael Boyd stated his client denies wounding Beggs, who has paranoid schizophrenia. Boyd said Whyte’s family alerted him to Beggs hearing voices and being distressed, prompting Whyte to visit and drink with him. Whyte recalled being struck hard before waking in an ambulance.