County Tyrone defendant returned for trial accused of murdering Cookstown man Damien Heagney

Stephen Eugene McCourt, aged 40, from McGartland Terrace, Dromore, Omagh, is charged with killing Mr Heagney between December 30, 2021 and January 6, 2022.

McCourt said he had no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry when he appeared at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday.

He replied ‘no’ when asked by the court clerk if he wished to say anything in answer to the charge.

Defence lawyer Blaine Nugent told the court the case against McCourt is “wholly circumstantial.”

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said there was a prima facie case case to answer.

McCourt was remanded in continuing custody until his arraignment at Laganside Crown Court on March 1.

The body of 47-year-old Mr Heagney was discovered in a reservoir in Cappagh, Co Tyrone in August 2022 after he was reported missing in July having been last seen the previous December.