Two men charged over killing in Belfast hostel

A man charged with a murder in a Belfast hostel last week was said to be too unwell to appear in the dock of the city's magistrate…

A man charged with a murder in a Belfast hostel last week was said to be too unwell to appear in the dock of the city's magistrate's court yesterday.

Mr Edward Beattie, (35), Carrs Glen Park, Belfast, was remanded in custody for a week, and magistrate Desmond Perry ordered an update on his health before March 15th.

A detective told the court Mr Beattie had replied 'not guilty' when charged with the murder of Eric Atkinson in the Brunswick Street hostel on March 3rd.

Another man, Mr David McBratney, (39), of no fixed address, was also charged with the murder. He was said to have replied "no" when charged. The detective said he believed he could connect both men to the charge.

Mr McBratney was remanded in custody until April 5th.

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