TWO JAILED FOR SERIOUS CITY ASSAULT

Date Published: 16-Jul-2011

Two city men - who attacked their cousin's husband outside a house with a hatchet and a knife - have been jailed for three and a half years.Derek Ward of 25 Coole Park, Bohermore and Jason Ward of 74 Rian Luachra, Ballybane had originally denied the charge.

The men pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mark Keane outside his wife's family home at Gaelcarraig Park, Newcastle when their trial opened back in May.However, two days into it they changed their pleas.

The court heard that both Derek and Jason Ward weren't happy that Mr Keane - who wasn't a member of the travelling community - was involved with their cousin.The court was told he was stabbed twice ... once in the chest and again in the face.

Judge Raymond Groarke then sentenced 32-year-old Derek Ward and Jason Ward - aged 28 - to three and a half years in jail.