Man blinded in eye by knife attacker who needed Arabic interpreter in court; homes and vehicles torched in Belfast

Several homes and vehicles were set on fire across Belfast on Tuesday night after a knife attack left a man in his 40s hospitalized with severe injuries. The victim, named in court as Steven Ogilvy, lost his left eye and sustained damage to his right eye along with injuries to his neck and back. He remains in hospital.

Arrest and court proceedings A man identified in court records as Alodid appeared before Judge Steven Keown. He communicated through an Arabic interpreter and made no response when the charges were read. A detective confirmed to the court that she could connect the defendant to the charges.

The defendant refused legal representation and indicated he would seek bail, but the judge refused the request and remanded him into custody. The defendant is scheduled to appear again in four weeks on 8 July.

Public response and warnings Judge Keown commended members of the public who assisted the victim and first responders who attended the scene. He also noted the court was aware of ongoing public disorder and the possibility of further protests. The judge condemned threats against emergency services and warned that those involved in such behavior can expect to go to prison.

>"The victim, named in court as Steven Ogilvy, who is in his 40s, remains in hospital.