Carrickfergus Man Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Attack on 75-Year-Old Pensioner

A 37-year-old Carrickfergus man has been remanded in custody following an alleged attack on a 75-year-old pensioner in Greenisland.

George Ferguson appeared before Laganside Magistrates’ Court in Belfast, charged with offences including assault, non-fatal strangulation, criminal damage, theft and breaching a restraining order.

The court heard that the pensioner allegedly lost consciousness after being punched and placed in a chokehold.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday, 15 October, when a proposed rehabilitation placement will be considered in connection with a bail application.

Carrickfergus Man Appears in Court Following Alleged Pensioner Attack

A Carrickfergus man accused of attacking a 75-year-old pensioner has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Laganside Magistrates’ Court in Belfast.

George Ferguson, 37, of Glassillan Grove in Carrickfergus, appeared before the court on Monday, 12 October.

He faces several charges, including assault, non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation, criminal damage, theft and breaching a restraining order.

The allegations relate to an incident involving an elderly man and separate allegations concerning communications sent to Ferguson’s former partner.

Pensioner Allegedly Punched and Placed in Chokehold

The court heard that the 75-year-old pensioner had allegedly discovered Ferguson drawing on the side of his camper van with a marker pen.

When the pensioner challenged him, Ferguson allegedly became violent.

Police told the court that the man was punched several times before being placed in a chokehold until he lost consciousness.

The alleged attack left the pensioner with a black eye, cuts and bruising to his face and injuries to his body.

The court was also told that the pensioner did not know Ferguson’s former partner, who was involved in the separate allegations presented during the hearing.

Police Discover Alcohol Bottles Near Defendant

According to evidence presented in court, Ferguson was later found in a nearby alleyway after a member of the public heard someone calling for help.

Police alleged that he was discovered beside an empty whiskey bottle and two empty bottles of prosecco.

The prosecco bottles were allegedly taken from the pensioner’s camper van, which was described during the hearing as having been ransacked.

Ferguson gave no comment during his police interview.

Court Hears Allegations Involving Former Partner

The court also heard allegations that Ferguson had sent distressing voice notes and videos to his former partner.

The communications allegedly contained threats of self-harm.

One video was said to show Ferguson cutting his hands while blaming the woman.

The woman told police that she found the material so distressing she could not watch the videos in full.

It was further alleged that Ferguson had previously threatened the woman and members of her family, including threats to damage her father’s van.

The court was told that Ferguson was subject to a restraining order.

Police Oppose Bail Application

Police opposed Ferguson’s release on bail, citing concerns about possible interference with witnesses.

The court also heard that three previous bench warrants had been issued against him.

Defence counsel acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, describing the alleged behaviour as “very concerning”.

The defence said Ferguson had been overwhelmed with emotion and was deeply ashamed.

His legal representative also told the court that Ferguson needed assistance with alcohol-related issues.

The court heard that Ferguson had been offered a place at a rehabilitation facility and had referred himself to a detox centre.

Judge Adjourns Bail Decision Until Thursday

District Judge George Conner adjourned proceedings until Thursday, 15 October, to allow confirmation of the proposed rehabilitation placement.

The judge indicated that the information would be considered before a decision on bail was made.

Ferguson was remanded in custody in the meantime.

The charges remain allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Reporting Crime in Northern Ireland

Anyone wishing to report a crime or provide information to police can contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Non-emergency incidents can be reported through the PSNI online reporting service or by calling 101.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always call 999.

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