Man in court for attempted murder of woman

Appearing before North Antrim Magistrates' Court on Wednesday was 30-year-old Thomas Jason Lennox of Glenmanus Road in Portrush.

He is charged with the attempted murder of Gertrude Lennox on October 12 this year and assaulting Gertrude Lennox occasioning actual bodily harm on October 11th this year.

A police officer said she believed she could connect the defendant with the charges.

The officer told the court that there were "grave concerns" for the defendant's mental health and added that he had been sectioned following his arrest.

The court heard that, while the incidents happened in October, it was only now that Lennox was deemed "fit for short interviews".

District Judge Mr Broderick said that due to the issues surrounding the defendant's mental health, the Prosecution agreed that he be released on bail of 500 straight back into a medium secure mental health unit.

Mr Broderick said that a member of staff from the Shannon Clinic at Knockbracken Health Care Park had agreed to sign surety for Lennox.

As part of his bail conditions, the defendant is to reside at Shannon Clinic except for hospital appointments, of which police must have prior knowledge.

He also ordered that 48 hours notice be given before any planned discharge and that Shannon Clinic were to inform police of any breaches of bail conditions. Lennox replied "Yes" when asked if he understood.

He was remanded to appear before North Antrim Magistrates' Court on January 10th via video link.