A 74-year-old man who was assaulted in Antrim town over the weekend now faces only a 1% chance of survival, Coleraine Magistrates' Court heard on Monday.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when the pensioner was walking on Station Road.
According to police testimony, the victim was knocked unconscious after being struck once in the head by Marcus Fleming, 21, from Cedarmount, Antrim.
The court was informed that the man is currently in intensive care at an undisclosed hospital with injuries described as "potentially life-ending or life-changing."
Fleming appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm. A witness reported to the police that the confrontation began when Fleming, after asking a woman for a cigarette and swearing at her, was confronted by the intervening pensioner. The assault followed shortly thereafter.
The police constable confirmed to the court that they could connect Fleming to the crime. After his arrest, Fleming confessed to the police that he had hit the pensioner, though he claimed he was struck first.
Defending Fleming, a lawyer described the case as "very sad," emphasising his client's immediate remorse and full acceptance of his involvement. "This was not a sustained attack but a one-punch incident with no pre-meditation," the lawyer added.
Fleming faces additional charges including two counts of criminal damage and one count of attempted criminal damage. The court also heard that during transport, Fleming exhibited aggressive behavior, spitting and urinating in the police van.
The application for bail was denied, and Marcus Fleming will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for a later date.
This case has shocked the local community of Antrim, highlighting concerns over public safety and the tragic consequences of spontaneous violence.