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Fermanagh wedding murder accused granted bail

Barney McGinley
Barney McGinley Barney McGinley

A father and son accused of murdering a man at a wedding in Co Fermanagh have been granted bail.

Patrick McGinley (46) and his son William (27), from Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, were charged following a shooting outside a church in Newtownbutler in February this year.

The victim, Bernard McGinley (63), who was Patrick McGinley's uncle, was killed as he attended a family wedding.

Opposing bail yesterday, a police officer told Enniskillen magistrates court that there was a "history of serious violence" associated with the McGinley family and there was a risk of further offences.

A defence solicitor outlined concerns about delays in carrying out forensics on a gun recovered in the Republic, and the number of witnesses still to be interviewed.

He said it was the defence case that the gun had been brought to the church by another man and had been fired accidentally during a fight outside.

The pair were released on bail with cash sureties of £50,000 and ordered to report to police twice a week, not contact any witness or injured party in the case and surrender their passports.

The Public Prosecution Service said it would appeal the decision.