Write a commentDetectives investigating the serious assault of two men on Saturday in Mullaghbawn have said that as a result of the violent actions of a small number of people they have had to redirect their resources and efforts towards investigating a serious assault.
The men James White and Alexis Guesto who were wanted by police for a range of offences, were kicked and beaten with iron bars and covered in paint.
Police picked the two men up in Mullaghbawn and took both to hospital. Detectives re-visited a number of scenes yesterday to conduct further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie said: “We believe the two men, James White and Alexis Guesto, who were wanted by police for a range of offences, including breach of licence and warrants, were discovered by a group of males on Saturday evening as they attempted to evade an ongoing police search for them. White and Guesto were kicked and beaten with iron bars before being taken to Mullaghbawn village, where they were further assaulted by a number of individuals and covered in paint.”
“Both men were taken to hospital by police, one of the males has been arrested and the other remains in hospital being treated for his injuries. Both men will be brought before the court at the earliest opportunity in relation to the matters for which they were being sought.”
“Throughout yesterday as our search for the two men was ongoing, I was pleased with the response from the local community and the assistance being provided to police. Unfortunately, now, due to the violent actions of a small number of people, we have had to redirect resources and efforts towards investigating a serious assault. There is no excuse for individuals taking the law into their own hands nor for the violent scenes that we witnessed last night.”
“I am appealing to anyone with information about the incident or anyone with recorded footage which could assist us with our investigation to contact detectives in Ardmore station on 101 quoting reference number 1240 28/04/18.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
UPDATE 2.30PM
James White has been recalled to prison following his arrest and Alexis Guesto appeared at Newry Crown court this morning on a bench warrant and has been remanded in custody. Both men had breached court orders by leaving NI.
