Two arrested in Lisnaskea weekend altercation as separate machete case nears trial
Two men were arrested after an altercation in Lisnaskea on Saturday night, police said. The incident was reported on Main Street around 11:45pm on September 26.
A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. Both men have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
In a separate case, three men from Athlone appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates’ Court by video link from Maghaberry prison. Alan Joyce, 29, Johnny Joyce, 33, and Bernard Joyce, 55, face charges arising from an alleged incident at Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, on November 16, 2019.
The charges include wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and possession of machetes with intent to commit an indictable offence.
The court heard the men had been extradited from the Republic of Ireland after European Arrest Warrants were issued in 2025. Defence lawyers said the men had complied with bail conditions in the Republic and could be subject to electronic monitoring if released.
Police objected to bail, citing concerns over witness interference and the suitability of proposed accommodation. An officer alleged an injured party had been contacted about retracting her statement. Police also alleged family members had offered money to have complaints withdrawn and referenced threats involving weapons.
District Judge Barney McElholm refused to release the men to a proposed Belfast address, which he described as unsuitable. He said he would not send defendants with no convictions to a block of flats known for trouble. The judge said the men could potentially be released on strict bail conditions once a suitable address was approved by police.
Proposed conditions included electronic tagging, a 9pm to 7am curfew, no contact with alleged victims or witnesses, surrendering passports and remaining outside a restricted area around Lisnaskea. Each defendant would also be required to enter a £750 bail bond and lodge a further £8,500 in cash before release.