Refused bail over bouncer attempted murder charge

A man charged with attempting to murder a bouncer in a suspected loyalist feud attack has been refused bail.

Ian Sinclair, 37, was seeking release from custody over his alleged role in beating the victim with a fire extinguisher at the Royal Oak bar in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

But a judge today (Monday) denied his application due to the risk of further offences, the Courts Service confirmed.

The doorman suffered a blood clot to the brain, along with multiple skull and facial fractures in the alleged assault on March 11.

Detectives also revealed that he underwent physiotherapy for walking and talking skills, and may never return to his main job as a French polisher.

Sinclair, of Elizabeth Avenue, in Carrickfergus, is one of three men from the town charged with his attempted murder.

He is charged along with his 50-year-old brother Brian, of O’Rorkes Row, and Glen McCullough, 52, from Castlemara Drive.

The trio are accused of launching an attack after being refused entry to the pub.

Police have linked the incident to ongoing tensions between rival factions in Carrickfergus.

High-profile loyalist George Gilmore was murdered days after the alleged pub attack.

The 44-year-old had been in the public gallery when Sinclair and his co-accused made their first appearance at Laganside Courts in Belfast.

Ian Sinclair mounted a bid for bail after his brother secured release from custody on condition that he keeps out of Carrickfergus.

Refusing his application, however, the District Judge also ruled that no suitable address had been offered.

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