Northern Ireland

Man accused of shotgun murder refused bail

James McVeigh at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker.
James McVeigh at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker. James McVeigh at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker.

A MAN described as “extremely violent” who is accused of a shotgun murder, has been refused bail.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay told 30-year-old James McVeigh he shared police concerns about the risks of further offences and witness interference.

Four men are facing charges arising from the murder of Paul Murphy and the attempted murder of a couple a few days later in June last year.

Lisburn men James Holmes (33), from Lawnmount Crescent and 30-year-old James McVeigh, from Ward Avenue, are in custody jointly accused of the murder of Mr Smyth on June 19 and with the attempted murder of a couple and possessing a shotgun and ammunition with intent on June 23.

James Robert Stewart (30) from the Ballybog Road in Dunmurry, is also in custody accused of two counts of attempted murder and possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life.

Ryan Megarry (37) with an address at Church Street in Portstewart, faces a single count of encouraging or assisting in an act believing that an offence will be committed on 18 June last year.

The offences arise following the murder of Mr Smyth who was blasted in the chest with a shotgun in his flat at Coulson Avenue in Lisburn.

The double attempted murder charge relates to an incident at a house on Mill Street in the city on June 23 when a masked man called to a property and asked about a named male who once lived in the property. It was during the exchange that a second called carrying a shot gun approached and fired through the window.

A police officer told the court today that with McVeigh had a reputation as being “extremely violent" and the proposed bail address in Antrim would not suitable.

He was remanded into custody until October 5.

James Holmes at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker.
James Holmes at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker. James Holmes at a previous hearing. Picture by Pacemaker.