Man accused of murdering elderly couple back in court

A MAN accused of killing an elderly couple will have his case referred to the Crown Court next month, a judge has heard.

Thomas Scott McEntee (40) appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court via videolink yesterday.

He is accused of killing Michael and Marjorie Cawdery.

A prosecuting lawyer told District Judge Bernie Kelly that the preliminary enquiry — the legal step necessary to refer a case to the higher court — has been scheduled for February 23.

She also applied to have the case reviewed again on February 9.

McEntee, currently on remand in Maghaberry prison but who is from Moorfield Court in Kilkeel, is accused of the double murder of Mr and Mrs Cawdery on May 26 last year.

The couple, both 83 years old,

Marjorie and Michael Cawdery were found dead at their Portadown home

were found dead in their Portadown home.

The pensioners’ bodies were discovered by their daughter and son-in-law.

Previous courts have heard claims that McEntee was armed with a knife when he allegedly broke into the couple’s Upper Ramona Park home.

He is alleged to have stolen a chequebook and keys from the

house before stealing the couple’s car.

As well as two counts of murder, McEntee is also charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated vehicle theft of a Renault Kangoo which was damaged.

Remanding McEntee back into custody, Judge Kelly ordered him to appear on February 9, again via videolink.