Soldier refused bail over comrade 'attack' charge

Adam White, 18, of Damhill Road in Magheralin, is accused of kicking the victim in the head in a supermarket car park in Lurgan.

Both he and his co-accused, Shane Russell, 20, of Salisbury Street in Belfast are accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mr Russell was given temporary bail.

The High Court heard that the two accused men and the victim, a member of the Irish Guards, had been on a minibus returning from a parade in Newcastle, County Down.

It was claimed that when they got out in Lurgan, a row broke out over "inappropriate comments" about someone's girlfriend.

Mr White, a member of the Royal Logistics Corps, allegedly struck the victim a number of times about the head.

According to the prosecution, an imprint on the victim's head matches that of footwear worn by Mr Russell.

A lawyer for Mr White confirmed his regiment was due to return to Hull this week for training ahead of deployment to Afghanistan.

Mr Russell's barrister told the court his client was denying the allegation.

He argued that CCTV footage from the scene showed Mr Russell attempting to restrain others involved in the fight.

"He is not seen to be striking or causing injury to the injured party," the lawyer said.

After hearing the applications, Lord Justice Higgins refused to release the two accused on bail generally.

Mr Russell was, however, granted a temporary period of compassionate bail.