18/02/2003

Men deny murdering pensioner

Two men have appeared in court in Belfast today charged with the murder of a pensioner.

David Taggart, 22, from Riga Street, Belfast, and Michael Anthony McDonnell, 23, from Delhi Street, Belfast, both deny killing Lawrence Flanagan at his Ormeau Road home in 2001.

Lawrence Flanagan, a 68-year-old local historian, had been beaten and bound with telephone cable.

Both men have admitted a charge of burglary.

Elsewhere, a man has appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court today charged with the murder of a Catholic father of two.

Ian George Hanson, of Alderbrook Gardens, Coleraine, denies the murder of John Henry McCormick in Loughanhill Park, Ballysally, Coleraine, in June 2001. Mr McCormick was shot in front of his partner and children as he lay on the sofa at home.

Mr Hanson was remanded to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court on March 10.

(GMcG)

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