Men in court over Harryville hammer attack

Linda Moore, her husband Dale and their two young children were in their Moat Road property on Friday when the attackers pounced.

Armed with hammers and what appeared to be a handgun, they assaulted Dale and made off with some cash.

The 39-year required hospital treatment for a minor head injury and cuts and bruises, while Linda and the two young children- aged just five and three- were left shaken by the incident.

Linda had been a contestant on Channel Four’s Deal or no Deal, earlier this year, where she won £23,000 after accepting the banker’s offer.

Two Belfast men appeared in Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday facing charges in relation to the attack.

Thomas Porter (39), of Ainsworth Street, and Jonathan Lyttle (35), of Glenluce Walk, Belfast were charged with aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, carrying a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, grievous bodily harm with intent and common assault. Porter is further charged with a number of driving offences including dangerous driving.

The case was adjourned to Ballymena Magistrates Court on December 18.