A 39-year-old Armagh man accused of throwing a lit petrol bomb at two people inside a city pub has been sent to the Crown Court on two counts of attempted murder.
John Patrick Nixon, who is currently being held at HMP Maghaberry, appeared by videolink before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Newry, on Tuesday. The hearing was a preliminary enquiry, the legal process used to send serious criminal cases to a higher court.
District Judge Peter Magill was told by a prosecution lawyer that there was a prima facie case to answer on every charge. The defence made no contrary submissions. Judge Magill ruled that the legal test had been met and returned Nixon for trial.
Eight charges before the Crown Court
Nixon faces eight charges in total: two counts of attempted murder, arson endangering life with intent, throwing a petrol bomb, possessing a petrol bomb in suspicious circumstances, possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place, and two counts of criminal damage.
The case has been sent to Newry Crown Court, where Nixon is due to appear for arraignment on October 12. He will remain in custody until that hearing.
Alleged attack at the Toby Jug
The charges relate to a series of incidents in Armagh on Monday, August 18 last year. The most serious allegation concerns an attack at the Toby Jug bar on Irish Street, where two people were reported to have suffered significant burn injuries. Children were also present in the premises at the time, according to evidence previously given to the court.
Police previously told the court that a man entered the bar, shouted “trick or treat” and threw a lit petrol bomb towards two people inside. CCTV footage was said to show a bald man carrying a plastic bag and preparing what appeared to be a petrol bomb near the junction of Irish Street and Ogle Street before entering the premises. Orange flames were then seen lighting up the doorway.
The suspect was also alleged to have brandished a large knife as people fled the pub.
Earlier incidents and arrest
Earlier that evening, bricks were allegedly thrown through windows and a vehicle was damaged in the Keady Road area.
Nixon was later arrested at an address in Chapel Lane. Police said officers recovered another prepared petrol bomb and a bag containing a knife at the property.
The allegations have not been tested at trial. The next stated step in the proceedings is Nixon’s appearance at Newry Crown Court for arraignment.
