Man bailed over 1994 murder of postman as court is told he presented himself to police

A MAN has been granted bail after appearing in court accused of the murder of a postman a quarter of a century ago.

Frank Kerr was fatally injured when armed robbers carried out a raid at a sorting office in Newry in November 1994.

The Provisional IRA was blamed for the attack at the time.

James Seamus Fox appeared at Newry Magistrates Court yesterday morning.

Fox (60), of Carewamean Road, Jonesborough, was also charged with the theft of £131,000, possession of a firearm and membership of a proscribed organisation in 1994, namely the IRA. He answered yes when asked if he understood the charges.

A detective inspector told the court that Fox had voluntarily presented himself to police, however he had remained silent during questioning.

The officer said he believed he could connect the accused with the charges.

He also opposed Fox’s bail application, claiming there was a risk of flight and potential of interference with witnesses.

Outlining the background of the case, the detective said Mr Kerr had challenged a number of gunmen, some of whom were dressed as postal workers, who entered the sorting office that day 25 years ago.

He told the court that a scufincident.

James Seamus Fox is accused of murdering Frank Kerr (right)

fle ensued and three shots were fired, one of which struck Mr Kerr in the neck, fatally injuring him.

The court heard there was DNA evidence linking Fox with a postal worker’s uniform items which were connected with the That clothing was recovered from a car stopped by police a short time after the attack.

The detective added that Fox had been a suspect at the time of the murder, but that the police investigation had been “fraught with difficulties” as he was then residing in the Republic of Ireland.

A lawyer acting for Fox told the court his client had presented himself to police for questioning, adding that he had known since April the case had been due to happen and had not made any attempt to leave the jurisdiction.

He described Fox as a “wellknown supporter” of the peace process.

District Judge Eamon King granted bail with conditions, including residing at the address given in court and reporting to his closest police station three times a week. However, the prosecution said it intended to appeal against the decision of the court at Belfast High Court.

Fox’s case will next be mentioned at Newry Magistrates Court on September 4.