Man denies murdering Coleraine RIR soldier McNeill

A soldier has pleaded not guilty to murdering another soldier from his regiment, who was found dead at an army barracks in Shropshire.

Coleraine Royal Irish Regiment soldier, Corporal Geoffrey McNeill was found dead in an accommodation block at Clive Barracks in Tern Hill back on March 8.

The 32-year-old who was born in Ballymoney was of the First Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.

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Lance Cpl Richard Farrell, 23, of Clive Barracks, pleaded not guilty to murder at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court at a hearing last week.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for trial in September.

Last month Corporal McNeill was given full military honours at his funeral.

Corporal McNeill’s funeral took place at Ballywillan Presbyterian Church in Portrush.

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His colleagues from the Royal Irish Regiment provided a guard of honour along with members of the Royal British Legion as his coffin was taken into the church for his funeral service.

Corporal McNeill’s family say his life was dedicated to the Royal Irish Regiment.

In a statement, one of his three bothers - Jason - said ‘He served his country with the highest degree of honour and dedication.

‘He was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend and touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him.’