Accused 'could lose his home'

Lawyers for Aaron Beech said he has suffered extreme financial pressures since being suspended without pay from work and made to pay for rented accommodation outside Coleraine.

The 24-year-old is charged with the attempted murder of Damien Fleming and an aggravated assault during the same alleged incident which claimed the life of Mr McDaid last May.

Although released on bail to stay at an address in Ballymoney, Beech sought permission to return to his home at Windyhall Park, Coleraine due to the hardships he is currently facing.

His barrister, Michael Boyd, told the court: "This is a man who is genuinely under severe financial strain. He and his wife and five children are in danger of sinking in a mire of debt that has been building up now since the date of his charge."

Mr Boyd said Beech is currently on benefits and has to meet mortgage payments of 621 a month. Another 100 a week is being paid for the rented accommodation in Ballymoney, he added.

"There is a very real danger the family home may be lost," the lawyer claimed.

Mr McDaid, a 49-year-old father of four, was beaten to death when sectarian violence erupted in the Heights area of the town on May 24 last year.

Conor Maguire, prosecuting, opposed Beech's application by stressing that all of those charged in connection with the murder have been kept out of Coleraine.

Despite acknowledging the financial pressures facing Beech, Lord Justice Higgins refused his bail variation request.

The judge said: "There were good reasons for those conditions being imposed - to prevent further violence."