Man to face re-trial over murder of Marion Millican

Fred McClenaghan will now face a retrial over the killing of Marion Millican.

However further details of the decision reached by the Court of Appeal cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Mrs Millican, a 51-year-old mother of four, was shot in the chest at her workplace in Portstewart, in March 2011. She died at the scene.

The victim had been in a relationship with McClenaghan, 51, which ended months before the killing.

The weapon used was an antique, double-barreled shotgun which dated back to the late 19th century.

McClenaghan, formerly of Broad Street, Magherafelt, was found guilty of murdering Mrs Millican following a trial in 2012.

He was sentenced to a minimum 16 years in jail.

But after challenging the verdict the Court of Appeal ruled today that the murder conviction should be quashed.

Judges directed that a fresh trial should now be held on the murder charge - possibly as early as mid February.

Lord Justice Girvan then imposed a ban on publishing any evidence or potential evidence ahead of the new hearing.

He confirmed: “Any report should be limited to the fact the court ordered a retrial.”