A man accused of carrying out a violent stabbing attack in north Belfast has been remanded in custody after appearing before Belfast Magistrates’ Court.
Hadi Alodid, 30, a Sudanese national living in the Duncairn Avenue area of the city, faces charges of attempted murder, possession of a knife, and making threats to kill a hospital radiographer.
The charges stem from an incident on Kinnard Avenue on Monday in which a man in his 40s suffered life-changing injuries. The victim remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Mr Alodid appeared at Wednesday’s court hearing via video link. Assisted by an interpreter, he declined legal representation and did not respond when the charges were read to him.
A PSNI detective inspector told the court she believed there was sufficient evidence to connect the defendant to the offences. Police strongly opposed any application for bail, citing concerns over public safety, the seriousness of the allegations and the risk of absconding.
The officer described the attack as an exceptionally serious incident. The court was told the victim lost his left eye, suffered damage to his right eye and sustained multiple cuts to his face and back.
During the hearing, the detective inspector also alleged that while receiving treatment for a hand injury in hospital, the accused told officers: “I killed someone, I don’t know if they’re dead.”
Police further argued that the incident had generated widespread media coverage and contributed to public disorder. Releasing the accused, the court heard, could increase the likelihood of further unrest.
Concerns were also raised about the defendant’s personal circumstances. The detective inspector said Mr Alodid has no family connections in Northern Ireland and is currently unemployed, factors which police believe heighten the risk of him leaving the jurisdiction if released.
District Judge Steven Keown agreed with the police assessment and refused bail. Delivering his decision, he said the risks associated with the case were “far too great and unmanageable with any bail conditions”.
Mr Alodid was remanded in custody and is due to appear before the court again in four weeks.
The case remains under investigation as police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and its aftermath.
Source: Belfast Magistrates’ Court proceedings and PSNI evidence
