Further delay in Trevor Spiers murder case

BARRISTERS defending the men charged in connection with the murder of a Portstewart man have delayed a Preliminary Enquiry for a second time.

Trevor Spiers died in hospital following a fight outside a nightclub on the Promenade in Portstewart in December 2009.

Three of the men charged in connection with the murder appeared at North Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Peter Thomas Luke McArthur (22) of Whyns Crescent in Portstewart, Paul McCormick (21) of Blackthorn Court and Peter Robert Henderson (24) of Dunboe Gardens each face affray charges.

Paul Francis McCormick, is charged with Mr Spiers’ murder. He is currently on bail at an address in Manchester and did not attend the court.

On Monday, the case was listed for a PE for a second time, however it was adjourned to give the defence more time to prepare.

One of the barristers told the court that it would be a mixed committal case.

At a hearing last week, court heard that one of the men charged in connection with the murder claimed that he tried to stop the fight that led to Mr Spiers’ death.

His counsel indicated to the court that submissions would be made at a later date.

The case is to be listed again on April 18.

Castlerock theft - police appeal

POLICE in Coleraine are appealing for information after a report of theft at the Liffock Park area, Castlerock.

It is believed that a quantity of lead was stolen from derelict properties sometime between 5pm on Thursday, March 24 and 8am the next day.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police at Coleraine on 0845 600 8000.