A Co Armagh man accused of violently bludgeoning a defenceless puppy to death with a hammer appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday).
Kyle Keegan, 23, of Gilpins Manor, Lurgan, is currently on bail following his release from custody last month – the first time since his arrest back in February.
The latest update in the case heard that forensic evidence was due next week, while two witness statements, and a possible statement from a vet, remained outstanding.
The court also heard how a member of staff dealing with the forensics had been off on long-term sick, adding to the delay in retrieving potential evidence.
District Judge Bernie Kelly ordered Keegan to return to court on June 15, where she said all outstanding matters will be dealt with then.
Keegan is alleged to have bludgeoned an 11-week-old puppy to death on February 3.
A postmortem on the pup’s remains confirmed Sparky had sustained a number of fractures as well as severe brain trauma.
The pup’s remains were found in a bin in the Ailsbury Park area of Lurgan following a house party at a nearby property.
Keegan’s bail conditions include a ban on alcohol and drugs, as well as a 10pm to 6am curfew, reporting to police twice a week and attending with his GP within seven days of being released.
He is also to have no contact with animals and no contact with anybody else in relation to the ongoing case.
