Court Update: Oldpark Avenue Incident Linked to Ongoing Neighbourhood Feud

A serious incident on Oldpark Avenue on Monday afternoon has led to two local men being remanded in custody. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard how a long-running neighbourhood feud unfortunately boiled over into violence in broad daylight shortly before 5pm on April 20.

A man in his thirties is currently recovering after sustaining a stab wound to the chest and a partially collapsed lung. The victim underwent surgery and required a blood transfusion at the Mater Hospital following the altercation, which took place near his mother’s home. He also suffered lacerations to his hand and elbow during the event.

Paul John Burns, 46, appeared in court facing charges of attempted murder and possession of a knife with intent to commit an indictable offence. His father, 65-year-old Paul Burns Senior, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, described as a small wooden baton. Both men are also facing charges related to a small quantity of herbal cannabis found at the scene, which the court heard was used by the older man for sleeping problems.

The court was informed that tensions between the parties stretch back to September last year, following allegations surrounding an assault on a local schoolboy. Defence representatives stated that the defendants had been unfairly labelled with derogatory terms since that time, leading to verbal hostilities that finally reached a breaking point.

During the bail application, counter-allegations were made suggesting the injured party had attempted to force his way into the defendants’ home. Paul Burns Sr claimed he used a baton to repel an intruder before being pulled outside, while his son—who was reportedly cooking dinner for his children at the time—intervened to assist his father. However, the prosecution highlighted the significant escalation from verbal arguments to the use of weapons on the street.

District Judge Steven Keown refused bail for both men, citing the risk of re-offending and the level of violence involved in the dispute. Both defendants have been remanded in custody until May 20. As a community, we hope for a peaceful resolution to local tensions and wish the injured party a steady recovery.