Two inmates of the Maze Prison were charged yesterday with the murder of another prisoner last March. The victim, 23-year-old David Keys from Banbridge, Co Down, was found dead in his cell four days after being accused of murdering two men in a bar at Poyntzpass.
The defendants are Robin King (32) and Ralph Phillips (35). A detective told Belfast Magistrates' Court they both replied to the charge: "Definitely not guilty".
The officer confirmed that both had been questioned about the murder in March but no charges were brought. He was relying on a witness statement made in April by David Patterson to connect them with the charge.
A third prisoner, Christopher McMillen (23), was charged with conspiring to inflict grievous bodily harm on David Keys and being a member of the Loyalist Volunteer Force. All three were remanded in custody until October 7th.