Police responded to a flat in Dunclug Park, Ballymena, shortly after 5am on Monday, May 25, following a report of broken windows. Officers found a man asleep on a sofa with blood on it, and several windows appeared to have been broken from inside.

The sleeping man told police that Sam McDowell, 22, of Moat Road, had struck him repeatedly about the face and head with his fists and cut his right arm with a piece of glass. He had bruising to his face and head and a deep laceration to his right arm. A piece of glass with what appeared to be blood was observed at the scene. The man said there had been an argument about money before the incident.

McDowell appeared at Antrim Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from prison. He faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a piece of glass.

During police interview, McDowell said he had taken cocaine on the Saturday and had been drinking at the flat on Sunday. He said he felt unwell after the drugs wore off and recalled damaging the flat, which was in his name. He said the other man told him to stop, and he then packed a bag, went to a shop, and obtained a lift to his mother's home on Moat Road.

McDowell denied causing any injuries. He told police there had been no argument and that when he left, the man was not hurt.

At the Tuesday hearing, the court was told the injured man has since declined to provide a formal statement, telling authorities he does not remember the events.

McDowell, who has 74 previous convictions, was granted bail in the sum of £500. The case was adjourned until July 7.