THERE was heavy security at Derry courthouse yesterday where a 24-year-old man has appeared charged with the murder of James McDonagh near Toomebridge, CoAntrim.
The 28-year-old from Castledawson died after an assault outside the Elk bar and nightclub complex on the Hillhead Road in the early hours of Sunday morning, January 11.
Before the court was Finbar McCoy (24) from Loughbeg Road in Toomebridge.
The court heard that Mr McDonagh had been punched once in the head and fell backwards.
McCoy, who appeared in court with his right hand bandaged, was remanded in custody until next month.
At the hearing a Detective Sergeant McIntosh said he believed he could connect McCoy to the charge.
He told the court that when charged McCoy said: "I can't put words together to say how sorry I am. I feel so sorry for the McDonagh family but I did not murder James McDonagh.".
Mark Mulholland QC, defence counsel for McCoy, described the incident as " tragedy".
He asked whether his client had co-operated with the police and the officer replied that McCoy had admitted his role in assaulting Mr McDonagh.
The officer said that post mortem reports indicated that Mr McDonagh had died following a blow to the back of his head after falling backwards when he was punched in the face.
The court was told that tensions in the area were running high.
There was no application for bail and McCoy was remanded in custody to appear again on February 11.
