Northern Ireland

Man charged with Niall Magee murder

Niall Magee died in hospital following an incident at a house in Crumlin at the weekend.
Niall Magee died in hospital following an incident at a house in Crumlin at the weekend. Niall Magee died in hospital following an incident at a house in Crumlin at the weekend.

A 25-year-old man, originally from west Belfast but with an address in Crumlin Co Antrim has been charged with the murder of Niall Magee.

Michael McManus of Cairn Walk in the village denied the charge when he appeared at Limavady Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

A defence solicitor for Mr McManus said the defendant had picked up a kitchen utensil to ward off a violent attack in his own house in the early hours of last Saturday and he would be mounting a robust case in his defence.

Mr Magee (21) was seriously injured during the altercation and died in hospital the following morning.

Three other men - aged 19, 24 and 29 - were also arrested following the incident but were later released on bail pending further police inquiries.

The court heard that Mr Magee died as a result of a single knife wound to the right side of the face and that a large kitchen knife was found by police near a sofa in the house.

Mr McManus appeared in the dock with black eyes and cuts to his face. The court heard he had to have surgery in hospital after an attack on him during the same incident.

Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody to appear via video link on May 28.