Suspect in Malcolm McKeown gangland murder is under threat, High Court hears

Counsel for Andrew Martin claimed any illegal substances he had in breach of bail was due to his anxiety at being in danger.

But a judge refused to re-release the 25-year-old from custody at this stage after describing his attitude as either “cavalier” or “contemptuous”.

Mr McKeown, 54, was shot six times in the head and body at a petrol station in Waringstown, Co Down on August 19 last year.

Police have said the assassination is linked to a drugs-related feud between rival criminal groups.

Martin, of Trasna Way in Lurgan, Co Armagh, is one of two men charged with the murder of Mr McKeown, who was found dead in his car parked on Main Street.

Prosecutors said CCTV footage shows a Volkswagen Passat speeding away from the garage within a minute of the shooting.

About 10 minutes later that car was set on fire, with two men in boiler suits viewed running away.

Both Martin and 25-year-old Jake O’Brien, from Rectory Park in Lurgan, deny any role in the killing.

In February this year Martin was granted bail, with conditions including a ban on being in a private motor vehicle.

He was returned to custody following two separate alleged breaches last month: driving a car and having some form of drugs.

During an application to be readmitted to bail, Mr Justice Larkin noted: “It’s indicative of, to put it mildly, a cavalier, and to put it less mildly, contemptuous attitude to bail conditions.”

But defence barrister Damien Halleron argued that his client was suffering from anxiety.

He claimed associates of Mr McKeown had “made it perfectly clear to Mr Martin that he is in danger”.

The defendant was informed about “what they intend to do to him”, according to Mr Halleron.

Denying bail, Mr Justice Larkin ruled that the risk of further breaches was too great.

However, he indicated that a future application may be granted if a GP confirms any anxiety suffered by Martin is manageable.