16/04/2002

Man pleads guilty to burning busker

A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing a busker who died three weeks after suffering horrific burns in an attack in County Antrim.

Brian Cathcart, 51, died in hospital after having flammable liquid poured onto him and set alight.

The attack, which happened in Rathcoole, December 2000 left him with 70 per cent, burns to his arms and legs.

Simon McCarey, from Carnreagh Bend, Newtownabbey, had been charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

He was remanded in custody to await sentencing.

Another man, 28-year-old William Samuel Watson, from Milewater Road, is due to go on trial tomorrow accused of withholding information about the incident.

(AMcE)

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