A man was arrested in connection with a stabbing incident that is believed to be racially motivated. The arrest came after a rucksack was found at the crime scene containing a letter addressed to the accused. The man, identified as Daniel Murphy from Craigavon, appeared in court where he denied the charges against him.
According to a police officer, the incident is being treated as a hate crime as the accused allegedly told the victim to leave the country and go back to where he came from. The victim, a 27-year-old shopkeeper, was stabbed in the left shoulder and lower back during the altercation. The police discovered blood both inside and outside the shop where the incident took place.
CCTV footage from the shop helped identify the defendant, who was later found by police on a nearby footpath covered in blood. Despite claiming he had been hit by a car, the defendant was arrested and brought before the court. The shopkeeper stated that he was unaware the defendant had a knife until bystanders intervened and informed him.
The police opposed bail for the defendant, citing his previous criminal record which included a suspended sentence and probation for assault charges. The District Judge denied bail, stating that the alleged assault was severe and likely to be referred to the Crown Court. The defendant was remanded in custody until November 7.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing hate crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. It also highlights the need for vigilance in reporting and addressing racially motivated incidents in our communities to prevent further harm and promote a safe environment for all individuals.
