LAWYERS acting for a former British soldier accused of the manslaughter of Aidan McAnespie more than 30 years ago are to challenge the evidence of nine prosecution witnesses as well as the investigating police officer.
David Jonathon Holden (49) is charged with unlawfully killing the 23-year-old on February 21 1988 close to a checkpoint on the border at Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone.
He was struck by one of three bullets fired from a machine gun as he made his way to Aghaloo GAC's grounds.
A defence lawyer told Dungannon Magistrates Court last month that a preliminary investigation (PI) was likely to take place, and on returning yesterday he confirmed this would be the position.
District Judge John Meehan laid out the requirements including for him to be informed of the witnesses whose evidence is to be challenged.
A lawyer for the Public Prosecution Service said: “As we are now armed with the information on contentious witnesses, we can work to identify a date and court venue for the PI. We are advised it is likely to last 3-5 days.”
The case was adjourned for an update on progress on fixing the date.
Holden, a former Grenadier Guardsman whose address was given as his solicitor's office in Belfast, was 18 at the time of the Mr McAnespie's death and lives in England.
He did not appear in court yesterday, having been excused.
A number of Mr McAnespie’s friends and family were present for the short hearing.
