AN MLA HAS said that the family of Stephen Ogilvie, the man who was seriously injured in a stabbing in North Belfast last Monday, are under ‘distress’ over false claims about the extent of his injuries. 

Philip Brett of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) today said online that he spoke with Stephen’s parents today. 

“Unfortunately, false messages circulating online – including claims that Stephen has lost his sight in both eyes, are causing considerable distress to the family,” he said. 

Brett asked people to “refrain from sharing or speculating on matters relating to Stephen’s condition”. 

He said that Ogilvie has spent the weekend getting “rest” and continuing to receive “specialist medical treatment”. 

Brett added that the family remain grateful for the support, prayers and the kindness that has been shown to them. 

The 44-year-old lost his left eye and suffered serious facial, head and back injuries in the attack. 

The attack, which sparked violent rioting across the area in the North of Ireland last week, happened in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast. 

Previously, Ogilvie’s family called for an end to the unrest and rioting that took place in the wake of the attack, and said they didn’t want what had happened to their son to be used in such a way as to “divide people or fuel hostility”. 

30-year-old Hadi Alodid stands charged with attempted murder, possession of a knife in a public place, and threats to kill in connection with the attack. 

The next stage of the proceedings in the case, which is before the Belfast Magistrates’ Court, will take place in July. 

The rioting that took place in the North saw the PSNI deploy water cannons and public order units, while also urging people to stop spreading misinformation online.