Northern Ireland

McDonagh murder: PSNI officer accused of perverting justice

 James McDonagh died from injuries sustained in an assault outside the Elk Inn at Toomebridge
 James McDonagh died from injuries sustained in an assault outside the Elk Inn at Toomebridge  James McDonagh died from injuries sustained in an assault outside the Elk Inn at Toomebridge

A POLICEWOMAN has appeared in court accused of two counts of perverting the course of justice in connection with the murder of James McDonagh.

Cathy Thompson (33), whose address was given as care of the PSNI, is also charged with withholding information between January 10 and 16 this year.

Mr McDonagh (28) died in hospital on January 11 from head injuries after being assaulted outside the Elk nightclub in Toomebridge.

Thompson is alleged to have sent a text message to a third party stating: “Yeah, don't have anything in the house that you should not have. They will search the whole house for clothing.”

A second alleged text stated: “Tell him to behave and say nothing.”

A detective sergeant told Magherafelt Magistrates Court he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

District Judge Alan White released her on £500 bail and ordered her to have no contact with any witnesses in the murder investigation.

The defendant stared impassively from the dock throughout proceedings.

She is to return to court on April 13.

On Monday a Toome man accused of murdering Mr McDonagh was released on bail.

Finbar McCoy (24), of Loughbeg Road, appeared during a video link hearing at Derry Magistrates Court.

He was released on his own bail of £2,000 together with a cash surety of £2,000 to appear in court again on March 10.