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03/06/2008
Bar Brawl Recalled At McCartney Trial
The trial of the man accused of killing Short Strand victim, Robert McCartney has heard that his best friend will "never forget," the expression on his alleged killer's face.
Belfast Crown Court yesterday heard witness Brendan Devine describe how he too had been attacked and even had his throat cut.
He allegedly saw 61-year-old Terence Davison "gouging" at Mr McCartney's face. He told prosecuting QC Ciaran Murphy: "I will not forget the expression on his face 'til the day I die."
The accused denies killing the 30-year-old father-of-two in January 2005 while his co-accused, 39-year-old James McCormick and Joseph Fitzpatrick both deny causing an affray.
Mr Devine, who had known Mr McCartney for almost two decades, said they had been drinking and watching football in Magennis's Bar when an argument broke out over a rude gesture which Mr McCartney had made with Davison's wife mistakenly thinking it had been directed at her.
He claimed he had tried to calm the situation down and offered to buy the ladies drinks but that the next thing he knew, he was hit over the head with a bottle and his throat was cut - three times.
Mr Devine said that covered in blood, he went outside with his best friend and two other men but were followed by a gang of up to six men and chased into nearby Market Street.
As he fled the scene, Mr Devine told the court he looked back and saw Mr McCartney standing "with his hands up shouting 'nobody deserves this' and that as he walked back towards him, he saw Davison "gouging at his face."
See: Police reissue McCartney murder appeal
(BMcC)
Belfast Crown Court yesterday heard witness Brendan Devine describe how he too had been attacked and even had his throat cut.
He allegedly saw 61-year-old Terence Davison "gouging" at Mr McCartney's face. He told prosecuting QC Ciaran Murphy: "I will not forget the expression on his face 'til the day I die."
The accused denies killing the 30-year-old father-of-two in January 2005 while his co-accused, 39-year-old James McCormick and Joseph Fitzpatrick both deny causing an affray.
Mr Devine, who had known Mr McCartney for almost two decades, said they had been drinking and watching football in Magennis's Bar when an argument broke out over a rude gesture which Mr McCartney had made with Davison's wife mistakenly thinking it had been directed at her.
He claimed he had tried to calm the situation down and offered to buy the ladies drinks but that the next thing he knew, he was hit over the head with a bottle and his throat was cut - three times.
Mr Devine said that covered in blood, he went outside with his best friend and two other men but were followed by a gang of up to six men and chased into nearby Market Street.
As he fled the scene, Mr Devine told the court he looked back and saw Mr McCartney standing "with his hands up shouting 'nobody deserves this' and that as he walked back towards him, he saw Davison "gouging at his face."
See: Police reissue McCartney murder appeal
(BMcC)
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03 June 2005
Man to appear in court charged with McCartney murder
A 49-year-old man is to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court on Saturday morning charged with the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney. A second man, 36, is also due in court charged with the attempted murder of Brendan Devine who was seriously injured during the same incident on January 30 outside a Belfast bar.
Man to appear in court charged with McCartney murder
A 49-year-old man is to appear at Laganside Magistrates Court on Saturday morning charged with the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney. A second man, 36, is also due in court charged with the attempted murder of Brendan Devine who was seriously injured during the same incident on January 30 outside a Belfast bar.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
