08/03/2004

Two men remanded in custody charged with hostel murder

Two men were remanded in custody today charged with the murder of a man at a Belfast hostel last week.

The body of Eric Atkinson, 41, was found at the Lee Hestia hostel in Brunswick Street in the early hours of Wednesday March 3.

Only one of the men appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday.

David McBratney, 39, who gave no fixed address, pleaded not guilty when charged with the murder. Edward Beattie, 35, of Carrs Glen Park in Belfast was also remanded in custody in his abscence. The court heard that he had replied "not guilty" when charged and a medical report was requested by the Magistrate.

A third man is still being questioned by police about the death.

Mr Atkinson's funeral is expected to take place this week.

(MB)

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