25/03/2009

Former SF Councillor Faces Murder Charge

As the investigation into three murders by dissident republicans continue, a former Sinn Féin councillor has denied shooting Constable Stephen Carroll earlier this month.

Brendan McConville, 37, appeared at court in Lisburn on Wednesday charged with murdering the officer. McConville, who is unemployed and from Glenholme Avenue in Lurgan, was also accused of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He was charged with possessing an AKM assault rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property or enable another to do so, plus the murder on March 9.

There was a heavy security presence at Lisburn magistrate Rosemary Watters' court, with riot police standing guard and security checkpoints in Lisburn.

The accused, McConville served on Craigavon Borough Council from 1993 to 1997.

There was no application for bail and McConville was remanded in custody until April 3 at Craigavon Magistrates' Court. He has been in custody for 15 days.

See: Goggins Says 'Hunt Goes On'
(BMcC/JM)

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