Northern Ireland

Man to stand trial over murder of Richard Scullion in Banbridge

Richard Scullion was found dead in a house in Banbridge in July 2018
Richard Scullion was found dead in a house in Banbridge in July 2018 Richard Scullion was found dead in a house in Banbridge in July 2018

A man is to stand trial later this year over the murder of Richard Scullion in Banbridge.

The 55-year-old was found dead in a house in the town's Millmount Court in July 2018.

A previous court hearing was told that he was discovered in the kitchen of the property with two stab wounds to his back.

David Robert Boyd (29), of Scarva Walk in Banbridge, appeared at Belfast Crown Court yesterday to be formally arraigned.

He pleaded "not guilty'' to the charge that he murdered Mr Scullion "on a date unknown between July 5 2018 and 10th of July 2018''.

Prosecution barrister Fiona O'Kane told Mr Justice Colton there are around 40 witnesses in the case and it was hoped that "26 of those could be agreed'' with the defence before the trial.

She added that the trial is expected to last up to two weeks.

Defence counsel Patrick Little said that "most of the evidence in the case could be agreed''.

He told the court the defendant had "made admissions about the murder during the course of police interviews''.

Mr Little added that the "only issue outstanding is in respect of the defendant's mental capacity at the time of this offence''.

"For that reason we hope to obtain a psychiatric report and this matter could then be resolved,'' he said.

Mr Justice Colton said he would review the case at the end of June and set the trial date for September 23 this year.

Boyd was remanded back into prison custody.