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14/01/2010
Burglar 'Guilty' Over Guest House Killing
Last year's shock killing of a well known Bangor businessman has seen a self-confessed teenage killer jailed for life.
James William McCoy, 21, entered a guilty plea as his trial at Downpatrick Crown Court was about to begin yesterday over the murder of the Co Down guesthouse owner 18 months ago.
Billy Spence, 68, died after being stabbed and badly beaten at his Tara guesthouse in Bangor in July 2008.
McCoy, who was homeless at the time of the murder, also admitted twice burgling the premises days beforehand.
Trial judge Lord Justice Girvan told McCoy that, having pleaded guilty to murder, there was only one sentence open to the court, a life sentence.
However, he said the court had to set the minimum tariff which McCoy must serve before he is considered for release back into the community.
As the trial was about to begin, McCoy's lawyer asked that his client be re-arraigned on all charges.
McCoy, who address was given as the Simon Community, Central Avenue, Bangor, then pleaded guilty to the murder of Mr Spence on dates unknown between 29 June and 2 July 2008, and to the aggravated burglary of the guesthouse between the same dates while armed with a knife.
He also admitted burgling the premises on dates unknown between 19 and 22 of June 2008 and stealing a mobile phone and charger.
A tariff hearing will be held early next month when McCoy will learn how much of his life sentence he must serve.
See: Bangor B&B Killers Sought
(BMcC/GK)
James William McCoy, 21, entered a guilty plea as his trial at Downpatrick Crown Court was about to begin yesterday over the murder of the Co Down guesthouse owner 18 months ago.
Billy Spence, 68, died after being stabbed and badly beaten at his Tara guesthouse in Bangor in July 2008.
McCoy, who was homeless at the time of the murder, also admitted twice burgling the premises days beforehand.
Trial judge Lord Justice Girvan told McCoy that, having pleaded guilty to murder, there was only one sentence open to the court, a life sentence.
However, he said the court had to set the minimum tariff which McCoy must serve before he is considered for release back into the community.
As the trial was about to begin, McCoy's lawyer asked that his client be re-arraigned on all charges.
McCoy, who address was given as the Simon Community, Central Avenue, Bangor, then pleaded guilty to the murder of Mr Spence on dates unknown between 29 June and 2 July 2008, and to the aggravated burglary of the guesthouse between the same dates while armed with a knife.
He also admitted burgling the premises on dates unknown between 19 and 22 of June 2008 and stealing a mobile phone and charger.
A tariff hearing will be held early next month when McCoy will learn how much of his life sentence he must serve.
See: Bangor B&B Killers Sought
(BMcC/GK)
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