A former shipbuilder is to stand trial accused of trying to suffocate his life-long friend in a Belfast hospital.
A judge ruled there was a case to answer against Thomas Hawkes, who is charged with the attempted murder of stroke victim Billy Cousins.
Hawkes, from Rosslea Way, Newtownabbey, was remanded back into custody until his case goes before Belfast Crown Court.
The 59-year-old was allegedly caught with his hand over the mouth and nose of Mr Cousins as he lay stricken in the Royal Victoria Hospital in June.
Previously it was claimed that he had worn his best suit to give the victim some dignity.
A court was told that staff intervened when they discovered he had pulled the curtains round Mr Cousins bed and was allegedly trying to stop him breathing.
Hawkes later claimed to have entered an agreement with his friend that neither man should allow the other to suffer severe ill-health or disability.
During a failed application for bail it emerged that Mr Cousins has since be moved to a care home where he remains in a "vegetative, low-response state".
Hawkes barrister argued at that stage that rather than being accused of attempted murder, he should face a charge of complicity in suicide.
According to medical assessments the accused - who was said to have taken drink for Dutch courage before going to the hospital - is suffering from alcohol-induced brain damage.
His condition led to bail being refused amid fears that if he was released there was a risk of a further attempt to get to Mr Cousins.
At Belfast Magistrates Court prosecutors sought to have Hawkes sent for trial.
Granting the application, District Judge Fiona Bagnall returned him to the Crown Court on a date to be fixed.
© UTV News