Inquest into death of man who killed his partner in laundrette expected to be heard this year

An inquest into the death of a Co Londonderry man convicted of killing his ex-partner is expected to be held later this year.
By Rebecca Black
Published 21st Jan 2021, 16:05 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2021, 16:39 BST
Fred McClenaghanFred McClenaghan
Fred McClenaghan

Fred McClenaghan, 57, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on October 21 2018 after falling ill at Magilligan Prison.

A preliminary hearing at Belfast Coroner’s Court included discussions over a potential date for the inquest in the spring/early summer.

It is expected to last for one week.

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No date was agreed between legal representatives on Thursday due to other commitments, including to a number of legacy inquests, however discussions are set to continue.

Coroner Paddy McGurgan said the new Nightingale court facilities at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Belfast may be a possible venue for the inquest which will be heard by a jury.

The first inquest hearing took place at the venue earlier this week.

“We have to sit with a jury in this inquest and therefore the current pandemic is posing some problems in terms of space availability,” he said.

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Mr McGurgan said the ICC may be an option to progress the matter.

McClenaghan was jailed in 2017 for the murder of Marion Millican, 51, at a laundrette in Portstewart in March 2011.

Another preliminary hearing will take place on Thursday March 11.