Northern Ireland

Paul Brown: Man denies unlawful killing and attempted murder

Paul Brown (53) died on Sunday night
Paul Brown (53) died

A man has appeared in court where he has denied attempted murder and unlawful killing.

Deon Fullen (22) faces three charges dating back to October 2022.

From Springvale in Dungannon, Fullen appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

After confirming his identity, he was charged with the manslaughter of 53-year old Paul Brown on October 17 2022.

He pleaded not guilty.

Fullen was also charged with the attempted murder of Owen Brown on October 16 2022 and of possessing a ‘large bladed knife’ with intent to commit murder. He entered not guilty pleas.

Although no details about the alleged offences emerged on Friday, a previous court was told that Owen Brown was attacked with a bladed weapon close to Fullen’s former home in Omagh following an altercation with the accused in a local bar.

It was also alleged at the prior hearing that as Paul Brown tended to his wounded son he became unwell and was taken to the South West Acute Hospital, where he died.

Defence barrister Ian Turkington KC said he was awaiting “outstanding disclosure” from the Crown which related to “doorbell footage and footage from the bar in which the accused is alleged to have been in earlier in the evening”.

Crown barrister Michael Chambers KC said this “crucial  evidence” will be provided to the defence in the coming days.

Mr Justice O’Hara said he would review the case on June 28.

Fullen was released on continuing bail.