Northern Ireland

Armagh man to go on trial accused of manslaughter

Nigel Burgess, who was known locally as 'Budgie' and was aged 60 at the time, died at Ballynahone Close
Nigel Burgess, who was known locally as 'Budgie' and was aged 60 at the time, died at Ballynahone Close Nigel Burgess, who was known locally as 'Budgie' and was aged 60 at the time, died at Ballynahone Close

AN Armagh man will go on trial next year accused of the unlawful killing of a 60-year-old man.

Brian Anthony Nicholl, (51), of Ballynahone Close in the city, appeared at Belfast Crown Court yesterday from his solicitor’s office for an arraignment hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Nigel Burgess on April 11 2020.

Mr Burgess, who was known locally as ‘Budgie’, died at Ballynahone Close after what police said was “an altercation”.

It was reported at the time that when police officers and emergency services arrived, they found Mr Burgess lying on the ground but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Yesterday, Mr Justice O’Hara set the trial date for May 16 2022 and it is expected to last up to a fortnight.

The defendant was released on continuing bail ahead of his trial.

Earlier in the proceedings the senior judge rejected a defence application to have the case against Mr Nicholl dismissed on the grounds that Mr Burgess had died as a result of a heart attack and not as a result of an alleged assault.