'˜Guitar attack' killing: three deny murder

James Henry Turner (30), from Dunraven Court, Belfast and his 36-year-old brother William Turner, of Glenlea Close, also Belfast, appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court to be formally arraigned on the charge of murdering Matthew Goddard on Friday.

Both men replied not guilty to the murder charge and also pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to another man on the same date.

Also in the dock was Christian Walker (26), of Milebush Close, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, who also pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Goddard.

The body of Mr Goddard (41) was found in the living room of his Chobham Street home in east Belfast on December 23, 2014.

At the time of his murder, police revealed the deceased had been the victim of a brutal attack and said Mr Goddard had been beaten with a number of items, including an electric guitar.

No date for the trial was fixed which is expected to last up to four weeks.

Mr Justice Treacy released Walker on continuing bail while the Turner brothers were remanded back into custody.