Northern Ireland

Angry scenes as Derry man accused of murdering three year-old Kayden McGuinness appears in court

Liam Whoriskey at Derry court at an earlier hearing. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Liam Whoriskey at Derry court at an earlier hearing. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Liam Whoriskey at Derry court at an earlier hearing. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

THERE were angry scenes at Derry Magistrate's Court after a 24-year-old man was returned for trial on a charge of murdering a three year-old child.

Liam Whoriskey of Glenabbey Gardens in Derry appeared at a preliminary enquiry in Bishop Street courthouse today.

Before the case was heard Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer warned the packed court room that 'all proceedings will be conducted with dignity' and advised everyone to keep that in mind.

Whoriskey was charged with the murder of Kayden McGuinness on a date between September 15 and September 18, 2017.

Kayden McGuinness who died in September 2017
Kayden McGuinness who died in September 2017 Kayden McGuinness who died in September 2017

He was also charged with causing the death of a child by an unlawful act between the same dates.

Whoriskey was also charged with cruelty to a child under the age of 16 on August 15 and a similar charge on a date between September 6 and September 16.

Whoriskey was returned for trial to Derry Crown Court sitting on January 29 and remanded in custody.

After the defendant was taken from the dock some friends and family of the deceased began shouting abuse across the court room towards members of Whoriskey's family.

Police quickly moved them outside and there were no further incidents.