‘Vulnerable’ man charged with fatal stabbing in Banbridge flat

A 28-YEAR-OLD “vulnerable” man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Richard Scullion in Banbridge.

The body of Mr Scullion (55) was discovered at a property in Millmount Court at 4.50pm on Monday. A post-mortem has now been carried out.

David Boyd, of Scarva Walk, Banbridge was remanded into custody following “admissions” in police interviews.

A PSNI detective constable told Newry Magistrates Court yesterday that she could connect the accused to the charges. No bail application was made for the defendant.

The defence counsel highlighted his client’s “full co-operation” with the PSNI and alluded to the defendant’s “admissions”.

“He would like to offer his extremely sincere and very genuine regret at the death of Mr Richard Scullion,” said the defence.

The PSNI had previously made Accused man David Boyd hides his face and (right) Richard Scullion an application at Newry Magistrates Court to hold the defendant for another 36 hours until July 12, 11.10am, after three items of interest were retrieved by the PSNI on Wednesday morning, following four interviews with the defendant.

The court heard that Mr Scullion’s body was discovered face down on the kitchen floor of the flat by a witness. The deceased had been stabbed twice in the back.

The accused was arrested in Belfast at 10.58pm on July 9, following police inquiries. He was taken to Musgrave PSNI station before being transferred to Banbridge for questioning.

Two crime scenes were forensically examined in the Banbridge area.

A PSNI detective constable told Newry Magistrates Court that 20 witness statements had been given to the police, with more witnesses to be identified.

The officer highlighted that the “significant investigation” had been delayed, leading to a need for further time to question Mr Boyd.

“The male is a vulnerable man with mental health issues, who has required an appropriate adult during interview,” said the detective constable.

“A number of searches are also planned for the Banbridge area,” he added.

District judge Eamonn King remanded Mr Boyd into custody to appear at Banbridge Magistrates Court on August 9, via video link.