Barry Furfey: Craigavon judge refuses bail for woman accused of killing man in Lisburn with both suspects remanded into custody

Melissa Atkinson, aged 38 from Wardsborough Road, Lisburn and Jamie Lawrie Spence, aged 37, of no fixed abode, Belfast, both appeared in the dock of Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

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The charge of murdering Barry Furfey on September 15 this year was put to both defendants. Both said “yes” when they were asked if they understood the charges. A PSNI Detective Inspector said she was aware of the facts and circumstances of the case and could connect both to the charges.

Spence’s lawyer said there was no application for bail on his behalf “at this stage”. Atkinson’s barrister Mr Patrick Taylor said he is applying for bail for his client “subject to a suitable address” however this was opposed by police. At this stage Spence’s lawyer asked that he leave the court room.

A PSNI officer revealed that at 00.49am on Monday, September 15, police received a report from a security guard at Clanmil Housing on Wardsborough Road, Lisburn, that a man “was unwell’ at one of the flats and had been asked by the occupants to call an ambulance. He did so and the report was of a possible drugs overdose.

When the security guard went to the flat for more information he saw a man laying on the living room floor “unresponsive”. “He became concerned and also contacted police,” said the officer, adding police arrived a short time later observing that Mr Furfey was unconscious but had a pulse.

CPR was carried out on Mr Furfey for one hour and he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital “but despite best efforts his condition deteriorated and he died at 6am”, the officer revealed.

At the scene police spotted bruising and injuries to Mr Furfey’s face and head - and on admission to hospital staff noted a head injury and bleeding from his throat. They also observed “swollen knuckles and blood” on Spence and blood on Atkinson’s top. Both defendants were then arrested.

The officer said the pair gave “full accounts”. “But they would say Mr Furfey fell off a chair and sustained those injuries,” she said.

Spence admitting punching Mr Furfey twice in the face claiming he had touched his girlfriend's leg but denied it was a “full strength punch” and after they shook hands.

She revealed the post mortem results revealed death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and multiple rib fractures. “The doctor indicated the injuries to the head, face and ear were not consistent with a fall. The distribution of the bruising and swelling coupled with the multiple rib fractures were indicative of an assault,” said the officer.

"There were injuries to the upper limbs which were consistent to gripping and defence. The multiple rib fractures would have caused severe breathing difficulties,” she added.

The officer said Atkinson denied any knowledge of an incident when her leg was touched and didn’t observe any assault.

The officer objected to bail as the defendant has no suitable address as her address is the current crime scene. She added a number of police witnesses live in the same apartment block as does a family member of Mr Furfey.

She voiced concerned for the defendant’s safety as there were already existing community tensions in the area. "Since the murder community tension has risen considerably. Therefore we would have concerns about her returning to Lisburn at all,” said the officer, adding there were concerns regarding interference with witnesses.

Under questioning by Atkinson’s barrister Mr Taylor, the PSNI officer said there are photos of bruising on Atkinson’s right knuckles. Asked if she had other bruises, the officer said: “She has considerable bruising on her upper body which she gave an explanation of that she was anaemic.”

Mr Taylor put it to the officer: “Isn’t it right to say that during Mr Spence’s account that he exonerates Melissa from any involvement with Mr Furfey?” The officer said: “He said she was present when he punched him twice in the face.”

Following further questioning the officer said the defendant’s account was following the assault, they shook hands and later Mr Furfey sat on his chair and fell off.

Mr Taylor asked if it was the defendant’s idea to call an ambulance for Mr Furfey. The officer said: “The account they gave was that they couldn’t find their own mobile phones. There were five mobile phone devices found in the property. So they left the flat to go to the security desk on the ground floor. CCTV shows them leaving the flat in a very casual manner – in no rush, walking to the security booth.”

Asked by District Judge Michael Ranaghan did Atkinson given a reason why she had blood on her clothing, the officer said she claimed it was from an injury to her foot as she had broken a glass and it had cut her foot.

Mr Taylor suggested Atkinson could be tagged and reside outside Lisburn. He also revealed Women’s Aid had been contacted on the defendant’s behalf as “she is a vulnerable person”.

District Judge Ranaghan said: “I have some concerns about the accounts you have given during police interview. There is evidence of disturbances in that flat and you were apparently present during the time of this incident. There’s blood on your clothing. That needs investigated.”

He denied bail on the grounds there is the potential to interfere with witnesses and also the risk of public disorder.

Both cases were adjourned with both defendants due before Lisburn Magistrates Court via video link on October 13.