No charges brought yet over Jim McConnell murder

James McConnell, 38, was shot by two masked men at his home in Woodland Avenue, Prehen, on 11 February 2009.

The suspects were arrested last summer, three released on bail due to report back to police this year, a lawyer for the PSNI told the preliminary hearing in Belfast last week.

Susan Tew said: “The murder is still the subject of criminal investigation. It is still a very active inquiry.

“There was a new phase of the investigation in July last year, with four arrests in connection with the murder and associated offences.

“It is considered that the investigation will continue for the foreseeable future. The family are being kept abreast of any developments in the investigation.”

She told the Belfast hearing she did not have information about the outcome of the fourth arrest.

Coroner Suzanne Anderson said she would like some information regarding the progress of the three people who are out on bail.

She adjourned the case for three months.

The INLA claimed responsibility for Mr McConnell’s shooting and said the 38 year-old had been involved in the drug trade.

It was the last killing carried out by the INLA before the group declared its campaign of violence was over.