Lisburn man refused bail to visit grave of brother he is accused of murdering

Martin Lowry, 32, whose address was given as Sir Richard Wallace Road in Lisburn, is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison awaiting trial for the murder of his brother Shane.

The defendant insists he acted in self defence during an altercation at an address in Dunmurry.

The court heard that the defendant had not attended his brother’s funeral and no bail applications had previously been made on his behalf.

Defence told the court the application for compassionate bail was to allow the defendant to attend the grave of his brother at Blaris cemetery in Lisburn with his parents before returning to Maghaberry Prison.

Police objected to the bail application, stating that the defendant had previously breached bail on 12 occasions between 2023 and 2025.

The officer continued: “He has a history of erratic behaviour linked to drug and alcohol abuse. Neither parent has been able to control his behaviour in the past.

"There is a lack of a real supervision plan and we would ask for bail to be refused.”

The defendant’s defence barrister, Mr Joel Lindsay, commented: “Three months have passed and it is very sad for both mother and father.

"The family are still behind the son who is still alive and there is a strong family connection.

"The brothers had been very close. Blows were exchanged on the day and a knife was lifted.

"There was an argument between the brothers. It is a tragic loss.

"He was not at the funeral of his brother. It is a brother he loved and he wants to go to the grave. They would like a family moment together at the grave.”

Refusing the compassionate bail application, District Judge Suzanne Rice said: “These offences are at the highest severity that this court would have to deal with.

"I am not satisfied the conditions put forward for him to be released would ensure that bail would be in the interests of justice.

“I am not convinced that bail should be granted.”