Attempted murder accused not allowed to attend Carrick funeral

A Carrickfergus man accused of trying to kill a bouncer in a suspected loyalist feud attack cannot return to the town for a family funeral, a High Court judge ruled today.

Ian Sinclair, 37, was refused permission amid fears his temporary presence may heighten tensions and put his own safety at risk.

Madam Justice McBride held that Sinclair’s attendance would provoke more interest than that of his 50-year-old brother Brian, who is to be allowed at the ceremony.

The pair are among three men charged with the attempted murder of a doorman allegedly beaten with a fire extinguisher at the Royal Oak Bar in the town.

He suffered a blood clot to the brain, along with multiple skull and facial fractures in the assault on March 11, according to police.

Detectives also revealed he underwent physiotherapy for walking and talking skills, and may never return to his main job as a French polisher.

Ian Sinclair, of Elizabeth Avenue, Brian Sinclair, from O’Rorkes Row, and 52-year-old Glen McCullough, of Castlemara Drive - all in Carrickfergus - are accused of launching the attack after being refused entry to the pub.