An innocent remark by a man in a McDonald's restaurant led to him being stabbed to death, the High Court in Belfast heard today.
David Finn (32) from Forthriver Parade, Belfast, died last February after being stabbed in the heart in McDonald's at Castle Junction, Belfast.
Mr Anthony Hagans (28), from Ross Street, Belfast, who is accused of the murder, applied for bail today.
Crown counsel Mr David Hopley said the catalyst for the killing was an innocent remark by Mr Finn as Mr Hagans was leaving the restaurant to the effect of "you push those doors - not close them".
Mr Hopley said Mr Hagans took exception to the remark and Mr Finn died in an unprovoked attack.
Defence counsel Mr Taylor Campbell said Mr Hagans had been using a pen-knife to clean his nails and said: "There is a black hole in his instructions as there is no explanation as to how he stabbed Mr Finn.
"He admits punching the man and it seems likely that punch contained a knife."
Refusing bail, Lord Justice Nicholson said it appeared Mr Hagans became violent without real provocation and there was a risk he would do so again if released.