Northern Ireland

Teen accused of Christopher Meli murder refused bail

Three people are charged with murdering Christopher Meli in December 2015
Three people are charged with murdering Christopher Meli in December 2015 Three people are charged with murdering Christopher Meli in December 2015

A teenager accused of the murder of Christopher Meli has been refused bail.

Caolan Laverty has not previously been named because of his age but can now be identified after turning 18 today.

Lisburn Magistrates Court heard that Laverty, from Broom Park in Dunmurry, breached curfew conditions as well as a ban on alcohol on March 12.

A prosecuting lawyer said a member of the public reported a car on fire and Laverty was found nearby hiding in a bush.

Saying the car apparently belonged to him, the lawyer added that he was found four hours outside his curfew and he was "in a drunken state".

When arrested by police, Laverty allegedly became aggressive and damaged a police cell when taken to Musgrave station in Belfast.

An officer told the court there was a fear of further alleged offences if he is released, saying this was his second breach in three months.

Laverty, along with 18-year-olds Lee Smyth, from Colinbrook Gardens and Stephen McCann, from Bearnagh Glen, both Belfast, are accused of the murder of father-of-one Christopher Meli on December 12 2015.

The body of the 20-year-old was found on a pathway in the Glasvey Close area of Twinbrook.

Detectives said they believed up to 20 people were involved in a number of violent incidents that ended in the murder on grassland known as Doc's Lane in the early hours.

Laverty's defence solicitor said today that the first breach of bail was in relation to the defendant staying at his uncle's home and that the teenager has now been away from his family home in an isolated area for over a year.

Refusing bail however, District Judge Rosie Watters said the matter "will have to go to the High Court".