THE JURY in the trial of three members of the same family, who deny murdering a man following a wedding reception in Co Donegal two years ago, was told yesterday that one of the three accused shouted at his stepson to say nothing to the police immediately before they were arrested.
Husband and wife James and Brenda Meehan and Ms Meehan’s son Seán Devenney deny murdering Jim McFadden (42), in Derry on May 5th, 2007.
Mr McFadden died from a ruptured heart following an assault outside his Moyola Drive home.
Mr Meehan and Mr Devenney have both pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr McFadden, but their pleas were rejected by the prosecution.
A police witness told the trial yesterday that he was one of several officers who went to the Meehan family home at Dundrean Park, Derry, following the fatal attack.
Constable Robert Tosh told Mr Justice McCloskey that he was instructed by Insp David McFettridge to caution and arrest Mr Meehan. He said as the defendant went upstairs to put on socks and shoes, he shouted to his co- defendant Mr Devenney: “Don’t say anything. Don’t say any more. You have told them enough. Do not say anything else.”
Another police officer, Constable Jonathan Grieves, said Insp McFettridge ordered him to arrest Ms Meehan. “I arrested Brenda Meehan who was becoming quite irate.”
The trial at Derry Crown Court continues.