Man charged with manslaughter

A man charged with the manslaughter of a father of two children in north Antrim at the weekend has expressed his "heartfelt" sympathy to the victim's family, Ballymena Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Raymond Paul Hamilton (36), Travers Place, Dervock, Co Antrim, was charged with the manslaughter of Darren Murphy from Armoy, Co Antrim.

Mr Murphy died early on Sunday morning outside a pub in Armoy where he had been drinking. A PSNI detective told the court the accused knew the victim, who died after an incident when he fell against a wall. The detective could not, however, confirm that the conditions were icy when Mr Murphy struck the wall.

Mr Hamilton only spoke to confirm his name. His solicitor, however, said that Mr Hamilton "does express his heartfelt sympathies to the deceased, the deceased's family and friends at this tragic incident".

Mr Hamilton was released on bail with strict conditions. He is to appear again at Coleraine Magistrates Court on January 21st.