Man in court over murder of Anthony McErlain

A 33-year-old homeless man has been remanded in custody charged with murder.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Feb 2016, 12:12 BST
Updated 1st Feb 2016, 14:15 BST
Police and forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View, Ballycastle, on January 28Police and forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View, Ballycastle, on January 28
Police and forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View, Ballycastle, on January 28

Christopher Keenan, of no fixed abode, appeared before a judge at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.

No details about the death of Anthony McErlain were given during the short hearing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 48-year-old’s body was discovered in a house in the Broombeg View area of Ballycastle, Co Antrim, on January 28.

Police have previously said he suffered a traumatic and frightening death.

Keenan, who was dressed in a light grey tracksuit and had short dark hair and stubble, stood in the dock with his hands clasped to his front, flanked by two male prison guards.

He only spoke once and replied “yeah” when asked if he understood the single murder charge levied against him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A senior detective told Deputy District Judge John Connolly he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

Defence solicitor Eoghan Devlin had no questions for the officer and did not make an application for bail.

However the lawyer said given the seriousness of the offence, he would be requesting legal aid for counsel as the defendant had previously been in receipt of benefits.

“This is the most serious matter,” the solicitor said.

The case was adjourned until February 29 and Keenan was ordered to re-appear via videolink.

A 50-year-old man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the death after police were granted a 24-hour extension.

Related topics:Police