Catholic man dies 10 days after sectarian assault

A 20-year-old Catholic student who suffered a vicious sectarian assault outside a Co Antrim nightclub ten days ago has died in…

A 20-year-old Catholic student who suffered a vicious sectarian assault outside a Co Antrim nightclub ten days ago has died in hospital.

Mr Christopher Witson, from from Strathmore Park in north Belfast, suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked in the car park of Kelly's nightclub in Portrush the weekend before last.

Two men were arrested and questioned last week over the attack, which police are treating as sectarian.

The bail application by the two men, who were charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Whitson, was adjourned at the High Court in Belfast today.

READ MORE

Mr David Gaston, 20, from Eglish Road and Mr Gary Davison, a 28-year-old van driver from Carnstron Road, both in Broughshane, Co Antrim, had sought the adjournment following what they described as the "tragic death of Mr Whitson".

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said the trouble started when the victim and his friends became involved in an argument with a number of other men inside the club.

"During this verbal dispute it became apparent through the mention of a Christian name that at least one of the group to which the victim belonged was a Catholic," he said.

"He and his friends were subjected to sectarian taunting as a result and a brief fight broke out. Security staff broke up this fight and all parties were ejected.

"Another fight took place in the car park during which he received the serious injuries that left him critically injured," the spokesman said.

He said although the car park was busy at the time, few witnesses had come forward.