Man Accused of Inflicting Burns in Courthouse Granted Bail
A man accused of throwing boiling water over the brother of a murder suspect inside a courthouse has been granted bail by a senior judge.
Corrie McKenna, 34, is alleged to have caused burns to the victim during an incident that took place in Strabane, County Tyrone.
He was released on bail with a strict order prohibiting him from entering any courthouses in Northern Ireland.
McKenna, who resides at Sheskin Park in Greysteel, County Londonderry, faces charges including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, causing actual bodily harm, and possession of a weapon, specifically a kettle containing boiling water. He denies all charges.
Details of the Incident and Court Proceedings
Prosecutors informed the High Court on Thursday that the victim, Richard McCrossan, was targeted during an encounter on 16 April.
Richard McCrossan had been attending Strabane Magistrates' Court for a hearing related to the case against his brother, 32-year-old Dylan McCrossan.
Dylan McCrossan, from Beechmount Village in Strabane, is charged with the murder of Stephen Holmes, aged 31, which occurred in February 2025.
Crown counsel Charlene Dempsey described McKenna as a friend of the deceased man's family.
Opposing the bail application, counsel stated:
"The injured party is terrified that there will be further repercussions."
Defence counsel Sean Doherty acknowledged that an altercation occurred within the courthouse involving an exchange of words with his client.
However, he emphasized:
"[McKenna's] instructions are that he was not involved in the assault."
Bail Conditions and Judicial Orders
Madam Justice McBride granted bail to McKenna, imposing conditions that include staying out of Strabane and avoiding contact with the victim or any potential witnesses.
She further ordered:
"He is not to enter any courthouse except for his own case."
