The PSNI are to reinterview with a man charged with what began as grievous bodily harm but upgraded to murder at his own request as “there is an account to be given of the case and the background to it” his lawyers have contended.
The victim, Stephen Holmes sustained what were described in court as “significant injuries” following an attack in Strabane on February 3.
The thirty-one-year-old was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he passed away from his injuries five days later.
In the days after the attack, Dylan McCrossan (31) from Beechmount Village, Strabane had appeared in court charged unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm and possessing cocaine and the prescription-only drug Pregabalin.
No details surrounding the circumstances of these were disclosed at Strabane Magistrates’ Court and there was no application for bail.
Following Mr Holmes’s death the PSNI issued a statement advising that a murder investigation had commenced and the charges against McCrossan would be reviewed.
He then appeared before the same court this time by video-link from Maghaberry Prison to be formally charged with murder,
During the brief hearing he spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charge.
A detective constable confirmed the new charge could be connected and the case was adjourned.
Last month a defence barrister told the court following a recent change in solicitor, the interview tapes have been reviewed in which McCrossan provided no comment replies to all questions.
“We want to consult with him further on that having spoken to him and some of his family,” said the defence
“It is our intention to make a formal application to police and the PPS to have him reinterviewed, because I think there is an account to be given here from our understanding of the case and the background to it.”
On return a prosecuting lawyer confirmed police are to attend with McCrossan in Maghaberry Prison to reinterview him.
The court was assured that regardless of the outcome of this, the case file is progressing in a timely manner.
Mr Holmes family members were present in court for the brief hearing,
District Judge Oonagh Mullan remanded McCrossan in continuing custody to appear again by video-link on June 5 when an update is expected on his reinterview.
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