Motorist charged over alleged random attacks in West Belfast

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:56 · Archive

A 38-year-old man has been charged after allegedly knocking down and attempting to abduct strangers in West Belfast.

Paul Nelson, 38, of West Circular Road in Belfast, was remanded in custody on charges related to three separate incidents in West Belfast on 29 October. He faces three counts of dangerous driving and further charges of attempted kidnapping, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

Police allege Nelson targeted his victims after making unwarranted accusations that they were involved in child abuse. At around 5.30pm on Cupar Way, he allegedly pulled up beside a man and made such accusations, telling him to get into the car. Nelson reportedly grabbed the man and tried to pull him into the vehicle before another member of the public intervened to help him escape.

Hours later, Nelson allegedly pushed a cyclist off his bike after following him in his car on Springfield Road. Shortly before midnight, another cyclist encountered the car in the same area. The driver got out and attempted to strike him with punches. An investigating detective told the court that one victim believed he was targeted due to his race. A witness began remonstrating near the car to stop the attack.

How it is being reported

• Belfast motorist ‘knocked down and tried to abduct strangers as part of suspected racist attacks’Belfast Telegraph · 2 Nov, 17:40
• Motorist allegedly knocked down and tried to abduct strangers as part of random attacks in West BelfastOne man was struck and flung over the bonnet of a car on to the road, a judge was toldBelfast Live · 2 Nov, 17:28

In this story: Paul Nelson · Belfast Magistrates' Court · West Belfast · Belfast

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