Man (21) admits Portrush murder

A 21-year-old Portrush man has been jailed for life following his unexpected plea to killing 35-year-old William Meek in June 2008.

Antrim Crown Court, sitting in Belfast heard on Friday that Glen Allen from, Glenarm Avenue, did not want to put either Mr Meek's family or his own through a trial.

Defence SC Philip Magee told Lord Justice Girvan that earlier last week, in a "somewhat unexpected" move, Allen sought further legal advice from his defence team.

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The lawyer added that Allen told them he had been "reflecting" on the situation and "is extremely distressed about what has happened and he feels that he is simply not prepared to put Mr Meek's, indeed his own family, through a trial".

Mr Magee said that Allen, having considered all of the issues, asked the court's permission to be rearraigned on the two charges he faces.

In addition to the murder charge, Allen also admitted wounding Mr Meek in a separate attack five months earlier on February 13, 2008.

Mr Meek's body was found in a flat at Causeway Street following the discovery of a fire at the building around 6:15 am on Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

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Mr Meek, originally from north Belfast, is believed to have died from head injuries.

Lord Justice Girvan said while imposing the sentence fixed by law for murder as life, he will hold a tariff hearing next month to decide how long Allen must serve before he is considered for release back into the community.

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