BID TO SMOTHER PAL 'WAS MERCY KILLING' Accused tells cops: I'd do it again.

Byline: ALAN ERWIN 

A MAN tried to carry out the mercy killing of his life-long friend as he lay in a coma, a court heard yesterday.

Thomas Hawkes, 58, was remanded in custody charged with the attempted murder of stroke victim Billy Cousins.

It was claimed the accused was discovered in the Royal Victoria Hospital on Monday with his hands over Mr Cousins' mouth and nose.

Opposing bail, a detective sergeant said Hawkes, of Rosslea Way, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, told police he was disappointed to have failed and would try again.

Defence counsel Mark Farrell said the case, believed to be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, involved an attempt to assist in suicide rather than murder.

He told Belfast Magistrates Court: "There was a verbal agreement that the living defendant would finish off the crippled."

He added the victim - also 58 and a well-known loyalist - suffered a life-threatening stroke from which he may never recover last week.

It is understood he suffered a series of brain haemorrhages in and had been discovered lying unconscious by his daughter at his flat. Mr Farrell claimed the two men, who he described as life-long friends, had talked about what to do should either be left stricken.

He said:"The two of them bizarrely discussed the possibility one of them might be in a vegetative state two-three weeks before this coma struck down Mr Cousins."

A brother of the victim had previously suffered a stroke which left him unable to manage his affairs and a second brother known as Fuzzy Cousins, was beaten to death following the FA Cup Final in London last month.

Details of how Hawkes took drink before allegedly entering the ward and pulling the curtains around Mr Cousins' bed were also disclosed.

A senior nurse went to investigate and found the accused allegedly holding his friend's nose. The court was told that following his arrest the accused stated: "I didn't get it right. I would have helped him, that would have helped me. I would do it again, I would do it for Billy."

Mr Farrell added: "This is an extremely unusual, if not unprecedented case. This defendant was effectively going to engage in a mercy killing."

A detective sergeant opposed bail due to the risk to the victim if Hawkes was released.

He outlined possible fears for Hawkes' safety if bail was granted, although the concerns were not due the victim's family.

He stated that Mr Cousins was a well-known loyalist and claimed "other individuals within the community" could pose a threat.

Refusing bail, District Judge Joe Rice said: "There is a real risk to the injured party in this case."This is extremely rare if not unprecdented DEFENCE LAWYER

CAPTION(S):

SCENE Man was arrested at RVH in Belfast