Spiers murder accused denied curfew extension

Luke McArthur (21) of Whyns Crescent, who appeared alongside his co-accused Robert Peter Henderson (23) from Dunboe Gardens at North Antrim Magistrates' Court last Wednesday, applied to have his curfew changed allowing him to be out of his house until 10pm instead of the previously agreed 8pm.

A solicitor said McArthur, who is a mechanic, was having to work from home after it was alleged that a threat was made to burn down his employer's home and business if the defendant continued to be employed there.

The court heard that McArthur needed to road test cars and take them to the MOT Centre in the evenings and the 8pm curfew would make this difficult for him.

Members of the victim's family were present in court to hear Detective Sergeant McConaghy tell the court that he opposed the amendment because he felt McArthur only wanted to extend his curfew so that he could socialise. The officer added that the victim's mother, who has recently suffered a heart attack due to the stress of the incident, lives in close proximity to McArthur and this would only exacerbate her condition.

District Judge, Mr Prenter, said he would not agree to the application as he agreed with the Detective Sergeant and said he did not understand why the defendant could not do his work through the day.

He added that he felt McArthur was only asking to have his curfew amended because a co-accused had his changed recently.

McArthur, Henderson and co-accused Paul McCormick, who was excused from last Wednesday's hearing, were remanded on continuing bail.

The three men will reappear alongside Francis Paul McCormick, who is accused of murdering Mr Spiers, at North Antrim Magistrates' Court on March 29.