Full Breakdown
Boiling Water Assault at Strabane Courthouse
4/18/2026, 10:09:41 PM
Incident Overview
On Thursday morning, a violent incident occurred at Strabane Magistrates' Court in County Tyrone, where Corrie Anthony McKenna, 34, was charged with throwing boiling water at Richard McCrossan, the brother of a murder suspect. McKenna faces charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, attempted grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon, specifically a kettle of boiling water, with intent to commit an offence. He has denied all charges.
Details of the Assault
The altercation took place shortly before a hearing related to the murder case of Stephen Holmes, who was killed in February of the previous year. McKenna, a friend of Holmes, allegedly approached McCrossan in the courthouse waiting area and threw the boiling water at him from approximately one meter away. The victim sustained burns to his face, neck, and shoulders and was initially treated at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Following the incident, a scuffle broke out between the McCrossan family and the family of the deceased, Stephen Holmes. McKenna fled the scene but was later arrested at his home in Greysteel. During the court proceedings, a detective testified that a distinctive orange T-shirt, believed to be linked to the incident, was found at McKenna's residence.
Court Proceedings
McKenna appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday, where the judge denied him bail, citing the seriousness of the assault. The next court hearing is scheduled for 13 May. The prosecution has indicated that they can connect McKenna to the charges, while he maintains his innocence.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has raised concerns regarding security within the courthouse, particularly during high-profile cases. Critics argue that such violent outbursts highlight the need for improved safety measures to protect individuals attending court proceedings.
Official Statements & Responses
During the court hearing, the judge emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "This is a serious assault case." The prosecution's evidence, including the testimony of the detective and the discovery of the T-shirt, suggests a strong case against McKenna.
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next
The next hearing in this case is set for 13 May, where further evidence and testimonies are expected to be presented. The outcome of this case may influence discussions on courthouse security and the handling of violent incidents in legal settings.
