Northern Ireland

Decision due on Aiden McAnespie case

Aiden McAnespie
Aiden McAnespie Aiden McAnespie

A judge is to rule on whether a man accused of the manslaughter of Aiden McAnespie is to stand trial

There was a significant police presence at Dungannon Magistrates Court for the final stage of a hearing into the case of former soldier accused of manslaughter more than thirty-years ago.

Fifty-year-old David Jonathon Holden appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court for the second day of argument by way of Preliminary Investigation (PI), wearing his regimental blazer, and with many supporters seated in the public gallery.

With an address given as care of his lawyer’s Belfast offices, he is charged with unlawfully killing Mr McAnespie on February 21, 1988.

Mr McAnespie was shot dead as he walked through an army checkpoint in Aughnacloy, having been struck by one of three bullets fired from a machine gun.

Aged 23, he was on his way to a Gaelic football match.

Seated behind the dock, were many family, friends and supporters, including Michelle Gildernew MP and members of groups including Relatives for Justice and the Pat Finucane Centre.

The matter was heard by District Judge Amanda Brady, over the course of two days, the first of which was back in August.

A former Grenadier Guardsman, Mr Holden was 18 at the time of the incident. He now resides in England.

After counsel for both the defence and prosecution concluded submissions, Judge Brady said, “I will take time to consider all evidence and submissions in this matter to establish if there is a case to answer. I will give a written ruling in due course.”

While no specific date has been set, it is expected the ruling will be delivered later this month.