Man (26) charged with murder of man found in boot of car

A 26-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with murdering a man whose body was found in the boot of a car.

Wesley Harry Vance from Church Gate Studios in Comber, Co Down appeared before a sitting of Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Kyle Neil (23) was stabbed multiple times before his body was put into the boot of a blue Ford Fiesta which was found in South Belfast on Sunday.

Mr Vance spoke twice to confirm his identity and that he understood the murder charge against him.

Defence solicitor Denis Moloney told the court Mr Vance had admitted his part in the alleged knife attack during police interviews but claimed he had acted in fear of his life.

“The defendant made full, frank, clear and open admissions with regards to his involvement in this tragedy,” Mr Moloney said.

There was no application for bail.

Mr Moloney added: “The defendant has made it absolutely clear that he knows the family of the deceased who was a friend.

“This will hang over him like the sword of Damocles for the rest of his life.” PA