Limavady, Northern Ireland- A violent attack over a dog has led to a man facing serious charges in court. Andrew Yearl, 27, from Coolnasillagh Road in Garvagh appeared at Limavady Magistrate’s Court in Coleraine for the attempted murder of a man that occurred on June 17. He was also charged with assault causing bodily harm, threatening to kill a female, and causing unnecessary suffering to a dog that had to be euthanized on the same date.
According to court proceedings, two men entered a residence in Kilrea around 9pm where the victim was sleeping. They used a pull-up bar to strike the victim multiple times, with Yearl allegedly asking about his dog during the assault. Earlier that day, a group had entered the victim’s mother’s home, leading to a confrontation where the victim expressed fear of being killed over the missing dog.
The victim sustained injuries to his head, body, and legs, necessitating sedation before authorities could interview him. Additionally, when police visited Yearl’s home, they discovered a severely injured dog that had to be put down. The investigation revealed that the entire incident stemmed from a dispute over the missing dog.
Although Yearl claimed self-defense during the animal cruelty charge, the judge expressed concern about the recovery of the alleged weapon used in the attack. Despite Yearl having no prior record, the judge denied bail and remanded him in custody until July 8, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need for further investigation into the case.
The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the violent altercation. With the fate of both the victim and the dog hanging in the balance, the legal process must unfold to ensure justice is served in this troubling case.