POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 33-year-old man a week after he was assaulted in Ballymoney.
Steven Peck, who was from the Co Antrim town, was found last Sunday on a pathway close to football pitches at the back of the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre on the Garryduff Road.
In a statement confirming his death yesterday, Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: “My thoughts are with Steven’s family at this very sad and difficult time."
She also appealed to anyone who can help police or who saw anything suspicious between 7pm and 9pm on Sunday January 3 in the vicinity of Garryduff Road or the leisure centre to contact detectives on 101, submit a report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
On Friday, three men appeared via video-link at Coleraine Magistrates Court charged with attempted murder in relation to the attack.
They were David Austin (54), of Cherry Gardens, Ballymoney, and brothers Stephen (28) and Brian McCook (24), of Urbal Road, Dervock.
Brian McCook was further charged with making a threat to kill the two main witnesses.
A detective told the court it was the police case that the men attacked their alleged victim because he was involved in a sexual relationship with Austin's wife.
He said the investigation team had recorded statements which claimed the three defendants had plotted the attack at his home at Cherry Gardens in Ballymoney.
One witness, the court heard, has claimed they saw blood on his hands and the court also heard that while forensic examinations are continuing on a number of items including the alleged victim’s bicycle, his blood has been uncovered on Austin’s shoes.
Under cross-examination from a lawyer for Austin, the officer agreed it was communication between the defendant’s wife and the victim “that caused him to be in this area”.
Lawyers for McCook brothers, both from Urbal Road in Dervock, revealed that each of them had claimed to be with their parents.
The detective said police were objecting to bail due to risks of interference with the investigation, revealing that “other suspects have been identified” and the victim’s phone has not yet been found.
All three were remanded into custody after District Judge Peter King refused bail.
