A Co Armagh businessman charged with attempted murder has been granted a bail variation allowing him to return to his home during working hours to manage his company.

Phelim Leathem (67) of Boconnell Lane, Lurgan, successfully applied at Craigavon Magistrates Court to have his address varied so he could oversee his mushroom business, which employs 50 people. He faces charges of possessing a pen knife with intent and attempting to murder someone on 3 April.

Fergal Leathem (35) of the same address is charged with possessing a machete with intent and causing grievous bodily harm with intent on the same date. Police had agreed to vary his bail so he could live at home because his wife is expecting a baby.

Police opposed Phelim Leathem's application, telling the court that the complainant lives about 1.5 miles away and there was a significant risk of an encounter. A PSNI officer said family tensions and concerns about further incidents were factors, noting both defendants had previously lived together.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan questioned why the risk that applied to Fergal did not also apply to Phelim, a point the officer acknowledged. The defendant's barrister emphasised that there had been no further incidents, all his client's vehicles had dashcams, and the business needed him to survive.

The judge granted the variation with what he described as a raft of conditions. The case was adjourned until 19 August.