Man denies chainsaw charge

A man was charged yesterday in connection with a chainsaw attack in a bar in Belfast city centre earlier this week.

A man was charged yesterday in connection with a chainsaw attack in a bar in Belfast city centre earlier this week.

Mr John Joseph Gavin (28), from Glen Road Heights, west Belfast, faced two charges arising out of the incident at the Unicorn Bar, Castle Street, on Tuesday afternoon. He was charged with the attempted murder of a customer, Mr Michael Browne, and entering the bar with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm on anyone inside.

The charge alleged that at the time he was armed with offensive weapons - a petrol chainsaw and a long-handled axe. A detective told the Magistrates Court that when Mr Gavin was charged he replied: "Not guilty."

Mr Gavin was remanded in custody until January 20th.