A Ballymena man charged in connection with an alleged assault involving a meat cleaver has had his case sent to Antrim Crown Court.

Osmond James Clail, of Chichester Park East, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday 9 July. The charges relate to an incident on 23 December last year in the Drumtara area of the town.

Police had received and responded to reports of an assault that day. A man in his forties was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Images of two men covered in blood circulated widely on social media following the incident. Police confirmed at the time that the images were connected to the assault.

Clail was granted bail of £500 and the case was remitted to the Crown Court for arraignment on 11 September.