Ex-soldier’s checkpoint killing case adjourned

LAWYERS acting for a former soldier accused of the manslaughter of a man at a border checkpoint 30 years ago are to travel to London to consult with him, a court has heard.

More than 50 relatives and friends of Aidan McAnespie, who was 23 when he died, packed into the gallery of Dungannon Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Representatives of the Pat Finucane Centre were also in attendance.

David Jonathon Holden (49), whose address was given as his solicitor’s office on Victoria Street in Belfast, is charged with unlawfully killing Mr McAnespie on February 21 1988.

It is alleged the victim was shot dead as he walked through an Army checkpoint in Aughnacloy.

Defence barrister Ian Turkington advised that he and Frank O’Donohoe QC had been instructed but were yet to consult fully with Holden.

That is expected to take place in London in the next six weeks.

Mr Turkington also indicted the case would likely proceed by way of preliminary investigation, in which prosecution evidence is to be challenged.

The witnesses required for this are to be identified in the coming weeks.

A lawyer appearing for the prosecution confirmed the position had been brought to his attention in advance and he had no issue with an adjournment.

He confirmed: “The prosecution is keen to move this case forward.”

District Judge John Meehan listed the case for mention on March 20.