Man in court on Megabar stab charges

Aug 14 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

A 21-year-old man appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday charged with attempting to murder four men outside a county nightclub.

Christopher Hughes denied the allegations and was remanded in custody pending further police enquiries.

The Carfin man was charged with the attempted murder of two men aged 19 and two others aged 27 following an incident in Motherwell’s Brandon Street, next to the Megabar nightspot.

Police last Friday launched an appeal for witnesses after four men were hurt in an attack in the town.

Officers swooped on Brandon Street at about 3.15am following a disturbance some time after the nightclub had closed.

Police investigating the attack discovered that four men had been hurt.

It is understood that one of them had been working at the club as a DJ.

All four injured were taken to Wishaw General Hospital.

Three of the men were later released after treatment However, one remains in hospital and his condition was at first said to be serious.

Raymond Codona, joint proprietor of the Megabar, said: “Shortly after 3am an altercation took place outside the premises.

“Fourteen stewards were working on the night inside the club, with the security and the safety of the customers being their first priority.

“I am deeply shocked by the incident which was totally outwith our control and took place after the premises were closed.

“The club has enjoyed a good reputation in the area since it opened four years ago.

“We are disappointed that such an incident occurred outside the premises and wish all the victims a full recovery.”

Mr Cadona said police investigating the incident had taken possession of a pair of scissors.

Detective Inspector Duncan Hamilton, of Wishaw Police Office, is appealing for information about the crime.

He said: “I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this disturbance, or anyone with information that may assist police enquiries, to contact Wishaw Police Office on 01698 202600.

“Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”