Six remanded over Derry murder

Six men appeared in court today in Northern Ireland charged with the murder of Kevin McDaid who was killed by a loyalist mob.

All six, and another two, were also charged with the attempted murder of Damien Fleming who was critically injured in the same attack in Coleraine, County Derry, last Sunday evening.

The men, aged between 18 and 50, appeared one after the other at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court where district judge Philip Mateer was told all denied any involvement in the murder and attempted murder.

The violence flared when a loyalist mob of up to 40 entered a Catholic area of the town after Rangers beat Celtic to the Scottish Premiership.

A detective inspector told the court that a preliminary post mortem examination showed Mr McDaid had suffered a broken nose and bruising to his back and that he had an enlarged heart and died as a result of a heart attack.

All accused were remanded in custody to reappear at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court by video link on June 8th.

Over 30 armed riot police ringed over 70 loyalists who filled the public benches as the men appeared.

More police provided a human shield on the other side of the court around friends and family members of Mr McDaid, including one of his four sons.

The 30-minute hearing passed without incident after the district judge warned anyone shouting out would be removed and dealt with.

Detective Inspector Ian Magee told the court that each man had denied the charges when they were put to him, but he believed he could connect them with the crimes.

First into the dock, handcuffed to a prison guard, was Aaron Beech, 23, of Windyhill Park, Coleraine, charged with attempted murder of Damien Fleming and unlawful assault.

He was followed by David Craig Cochrane, 18, of Windyhill Park, also charged with the murder of Mr McDaid and attempted murder.

His father, David James Cochrane, 47, of Windyhill Park, followed him into the dock accused of causing an affray.

Frank Daly, 48, of Rosemary Place, Coleraine, was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and aiding and abetting the assault of Mr McDaid’s widow Evelyn.

Christopher McDowell, 33, of Glebe Avenue, Coleraine, was charged with murder and attempted murder as was Paul Newman, 40, of Grassmere Close, Coleraine.

Ivan McDowell, 42, of Lisnablagh Road, Coleraine, was charged with attempted murder.

John McGrath, 50, of Hawthorne Place, Coleraine, was charged with murder, attempted murder and assault as was John Thompson, 29, of Daneshill Road, Coleraine.

Questioned by solicitor Peter Madden, acting for Christopher McDowell, Detective Inspector Magee said the evidence against him at this stage was the word of witness.

He agreed that the most damaging witness had a “very lengthy” criminal record and that credibility checks were ongoing.

He said he objected to bail because of concerns over interference with witnesses and because of the possibility of “repercussions over the next few days”.

After the court broke up many of the loyalist supporters stayed outside the building watched by a strong police presence.

PA