A Portadown man accused of murdering his neighbour with a shotgun has had his case referred to the Crown Court.
Connor Lawrence McNeill, of Whitesides Hill, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE) – the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
The 54-year-old appeared before the court via videolink from Maghaberry prison, charged with murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.
The charges relate to an incident which occurred on October 26, 2021, which resulted in the death of Stephen Barriskill.
In the weeks following the death, a court was told how the defendant had admitted shooting his neighbour twice in the chest with his “legally held shotgun”.
At Friday’s hearing, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence made no contrary submissions.
When asked if he wished to say anything in answer to the charges, the defendant replied: “No, your honour.”
District Judge Brady, satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer, remanded the defendant in custody and adjourned the case for the accused to appear at Craigavon Crown Court for pre-arraignment on January 24 and arraignment on February 7.
