Second victim of Belfast samurai sword attack dies

Stanley Wightman (52) sustained critical injuries in assault that claimed life of UDA chief

The second victim of a Belfast samurai sword attack has died in hospital. File photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The second victim of a Belfast samurai sword attack has died in hospital. File photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The second victim of a samurai sword attack that killed a senior loyalist paramilitary has died in hospital.

Stanley Wightman (52), sustained critical injuries in the incident in the Belvoir estate, in Belfast, which also claimed the life of veteran Ulster Defence Association (UDA) chief Colin “Bap” Lindsay (47).

Albert Armstrong (46), was remanded in custody by a District Court judge today, charged with the murder of Mr Lindsay and the attempted murder of Mr Wightman.

It is understood that police are now making arrangements to amend the charge in relation to Mr Wightman.

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Mr Lindsay and Mr Wightman were hacked with a samurai sword in the attack in the living room of Mr Lindsay’s house on Kirkistown Walk on Wednesday night.

Court appearance

Mr Armstrong, of Mahee Close on the Belvoir estate, appeared in Newtownards Magistrates Court today.

He spoke only to confirm his name, then nodded to acknowledge he understood the charges facing him.

Mr Armstrong’s solicitor did not make a bail application.

Judge Des Perry remanded the accused in custody to appear in court again, via videolink, on August 7th.

Announcing Mr Wightman’s death this evening, the officer leading the investigation reiterated an appeal for information about what happened.

Det Chief Insp Richard Campbell said: “We want to hear from anyone who saw or spoke to Colin Lindsay, Stanley Wightman or Albert Armstrong at any time on Wednesday or who knows anything about their movements.”

PA