Alleged killer of Wayne Reid in Coleraine set to challenge strength of the case keeping him in custody
The alleged killer of a man in Coleraine is set to challenge the strength of the case keeping him in custody, the High Court has heard.
Lawyers for Darrell Joseph Shaw, 34, claimed he should be released on unconditional bail if there is not enough reasonable suspicion that he murdered Wayne Reid.
Mr Reid, aged 43, was found dead at a house in the Society Court area of the town on January 12 this year.
Post-mortem examinations established the cause of death was linked to blunt force trauma to the abdomen, with an iron bar identified as a potential weapon used in the assault.
Previous courts heard the victim sustained the fatal injuries two days earlier at a flat in nearby Society Street.
He later left that property to seek refuge in the house where his body was discovered, according to the police case.
A potential motive for the killing was said to be related to an ongoing dispute over a vehicle and drug debt.
Mr Reid allegedly named Shaw as one of those responsible for attacking him in phone calls made before he died.
The accused, of no fixed abode, denies a charge of murder.
In a statement provided during questioning, he insisted that he was not responsible for Mr Reid’s death or causing the fatal injuries.
Shaw has remained in custody since January, but appeared remotely at the High Court on Tuesday, April 28, seeking an initial temporary release to find possible alternative accommodation.
Defence counsel Michael Forde also confirmed plans to contest the strength of the prosecution case against his client.
“We are challenging whether there is a reasonable suspicion (of murder),” the barrister said.
“If it is found there is not, he should be unconditionally released on bail.”
Adjourning the case until Friday, Mr Justice McLaughlin asked for further steps to be taken before ruling on the application.