Northern Ireland

Man denies 1994 murder of Frank Kerr

Post Office worker Frank Kerr was shot dead during an armed raid in Newry, County Down 
Post Office worker Frank Kerr was shot dead during an armed raid in Newry, County Down 

A Co Armagh man has denied murdering a postman who was shot at the Royal Mail sorting office in Newry in November 1994.

James Seamus Fox appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he was charged with, and denied, four offences including the murder of 51-year old Francis `Frank' Kerr.

The Camlough man was shot in the neck as he carried out his work.

The 64-year old accused, from Carewamean Road in Jonesborough, was charged with murdering Mr Kerr on November 10 1994.

When the charge was put to him, he replied "not guilty".

Fox was also charged with robbery - namely that on November 10 1994 he robbed Royal Mail of £131,000.

He denied that charge and also denied belonging to a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, on November 10 1994.

It's also alleged that Fox possessed 'a pistol and a revolver, and ammunition, namely 9mm parabellum and .38 Smith Wesson calibre ammunition, with intent' on the same date.

When this charge was put to him by a court clerk, Fox again replied "not guilty".

Mr Justice O'Hara then enquired about the length of the trial and was told by a defence barrister that it's expected to last around four weeks.

The date for trial was then set for January 8 2024.