Court told of murder victim's 'dying declaration'
A murder victim made a “dying declaration” to name those he claimed had battered and robbed him, the High Court heard today.
Prosecutors contended 43-year-old Wayne Reid was beaten with an iron bar as part of a fatal assault at a flat in Coleraine, Co Derry.
Details emerged as a judge indicated his alleged killer may be granted bail if he can find an approved address.
Darrell Joseph Shaw, 34, of no fixed abode, currently remains in custody charged with murdering Mr Reid earlier this year.
The victim was found dead at a house in the Society Court area of the town on January 12.
Post-mortem examinations established the cause of death was a ruptured spleen due to blunt force trauma.
Detectives believe he had been attacked two days earlier at a nearby flat before seeking refuge in the property where his body was discovered.
Two witnesses have claimed Mr Reid made phone calls to them during the intervening period in which he identified the defendant as one of the assailants.
“He told (them) that he was battered and robbed, and he named Darrell Shaw to both of these people,” Crown counsel disclosed.
The barrister confirmed plans to rely on the evidence as a form of “dying declaration”.
Another suspect questioned by police alleged Shaw punched Mr Reid in the face and dragged him into the hallway area of the flat, the court was told.
Ongoing animosity between the two men over accusations of stealing a car is being explored as a potential motive.
Mr Justice McLaughlin heard the victim himself claimed he was hit multiple times with an iron bar during the assault.
His injuries, which included three broken ribs and bruising, were consistent with blows from that type of weapon, according to the prosecution.
Two days after the suspected attack police discovered an iron bar at the flat in “bleach-infused water”.
“There is an indication this had been purposefully done to remove any possible DNA,” counsel submitted.
With Shaw said to have been seen in the area both before and after the suspected attack, forensic tests found Mr Reid’s blood on his clothing.
During interviews he provided no explanation, but provided a pre-prepared statement denying any responsibility for the death.
Defence representatives argued Mr Reid’s injuries could have been caused by either a fall, a collapse or some other alternative incident over the two-day period before his body was found.
Barrister Michael Forde stressed Shaw was not named as having brandished the iron bar in the alleged phone calls, while one other suspect has only claimed he punched the victim.
Questioning the evidence against his client, Mr Forde said: “The prosecution say this is a murder, but at its height it may be a common assault case.”
He also predicted delays in an investigation which involves examining 29 seized mobile phones and 1,300 hours of CCTV footage.
Adjourning Shaw’s application for bail, Mr Justice McLaughlin cited the current lack of an address.
But he indicated the defendant will be released from custody under strict conditions if approved accommodation is obtained.
The judge stated: This is a case where the risks, in light of the passage of time, could be mitigated on bail.”