McDonagh murder: woman arrested in Banbridge area

The 33-year-old was detained in the Banbridge area on Saturday morning (Jan 16) and is being questioned at Lurgan PSNI station.

Mr McDonagh died in hospital after being assaulted outside the Elk bar and nightclub in the early hours of January 10.

A 24-year-old man has already been charged with murder.

Finbar McCoy, of Loughbeg Road, Toomebridge, appeared in court on Thursday.

During a brief hearing at Londonderry Magistrates Court, McCoy confirmed he understood the charge against him.

An investigating officer from Serious Crime Branch confirmed that the defendant admitted his role in the assault but denied murder.

The court heard that McCoy told police “I can’t bring the words together to say how sorry I am. I feel sorry for the family but I did not murder James McDonagh”.

The officer also confirmed that the cause of death was found to be a blow to the back of the head after Mr McDonagh was punched once and fell backwards.

Commenting on Saturday’s further arrest, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: “The suspect was arrested this morning and is being questioned at Lurgan police station about withholding information. Police enquiries are continuing.”