A Co Tyrone man who was on bail on a charge of murdering his brother is facing another charge of attempted murder following a feud between families.
The High Court in Belfast heard yesterday that Owen Paul Maughan (22), of Derry Street, Lurgan, was allegedly involved in a shooting a Hawthorne Street in Belfast on March 7th this year.
A crown lawyer told the court that Mr Maughan was granted bail on December 17th last year after being charged with the murder of his brother, Shaun Maughan.
Appearing alongside Mr Maughan was his brother John Christopher Maughan (31), of the same address, who is also charged with attempted murder.
A crown lawyer said it was alleged that Mr Owen Maughan and Mr John Maughan fired two shots at the the house.
The court heard that the alleged victim was watching television, with his family when a dark people-carrier pulled up outside. The lawyer said the occupant was able to identify the Maughan brothers as driver and passenger, and saw "the barrel of a gun" in Mr John Maughan's hands as he got out of the vehicle. The alleged victim ran to the kitchen before two bullets shattered a front window.
Police later discovered the vehicle used in the attack on fire a short distance away. The brothers were arrested and denied the charge, saying it was a "set up job" because of a feud between the two families.
The lawyer added that forensic tests were ongoing, and the only evidence at present was from the alleged victim.
A defence lawyer said a relation of the alleged victim was in custody on charges of assault against a member of the Maughan family, adding that the current allegation was "an attempt to have these charges withdrawn".
The lawyer also said the alleged victim had made a similar false allegation to police two years ago.
Releasing the brothers, Mr Justice Girvan said he had taken into account the crown's case and the points made by the applicants before making his decision.