'UDA Linked' To Coleraine Murder

Members of the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA were involved in the sectarian murder of Kevin McDaid, (pictured) police have said.

A court has been told 10 witnesses are currently living under threat from loyalists in the Coleraine area, following the killing.

A 48-year-old man was refused bail at the High Court yesterday after facing a charge relating to the brutal death of Mr McDaid, a Catholic community work.

David James John Cochrane, of Windyhall Park, Coleraine, denies a charge of affray.

A prosecutor alleged Mr Cochrane was part of a mob chanting sectarian abuse on the day of the incident.

He opposed Mr Cochrane's bail application, claiming there was a risk of possible interference with witnesses.

According to the lawyer, the PSNI has informed six witnesses their lives are under threat, a further four have contacted police after being threatened.

Mr McDaid was killed just yards from his Heights estate home when trouble erupted following last month's contentious Celtic versus Rangers match.

His friend, Damien Fleming was also seriously beaten and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Following earlier claims of loyalist chants throughout the attack, the prosecuting lawyer said: "It is further the police view that UDA members were involved in the murder of Mr McDaid, the attempted murder of Mr Fleming and the wider incident.

"This has caused widespread fear in the local area. One of the direct effects is that potential witnesses are reluctant to give evidence and fearful for their lives and the lives of family members."

A defence lawyer for Mr Cochrane said his client strongly denied involvement.

He said there were conflicting statements of what his client was wearing on the day, and said he had insisted he did not leave the bar, where the mob allegedly set-out from, that afternoon.

Arguing that the case could take two years to get to trial, he added: "There is nothing to suggest he has any connection to an organisation, band or faction."

Presiding judge Mr Justice Hart said there were "sectarian overtones" to the attack.

Refusing the accused's bail application, the judge said: "It is believed that a terrorist organisation was involved or members of such an organisation were involved in the events of that day.

"It is significant that a number of witnesses are alleged to have been threatened, either directly or indirectly, believe that they are at risk and have received notification from police that threats to their lives have been made.

"The extent of the events themselves and the nature of the threats to so many people all suggest there are a number of people who may well be determined to intimidate actual or prospective witnesses."

(PR/JM)