A JURY was sworn in today for the trial of three men accused of the murder of a man in south Belfast more than two years ago.
On trial at Belfast Crown Court are David James Francis Smith (35) and Michael Lawrence Smith (39), both of Monagh Drive, and Francis Gerard Patrick Smith (42), of Glenmurray Court, all in west Belfast.
All three deny murdering 28-year-old Stephen Carson on February 25, 2016.
Francis Smith further denies possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances while Michael Smith has pleaded not guilty to carrying a firearm with intent to commit murder.
Judge Geoffrey Miller QC told the jury of eight men and four women that during the course of the trial reference would be made to several streets in west Belfast.
"The person they are charged with murdering is Stephen Carson who at the relevant time lived at Walmer Street off the Ormeau Road," he said.
He told the jury that they will hear evidence from several witnesses including Mr Carson's partner and his son, who was nine at the time of the murder.
Judge Miller said the trial could last up to four weeks and, because of the mid-term Halloween break, he hoped it would be concluded by November 9.
The trial will begin on Friday.
