Murder accused released on bail

Stringent conditions for Keenan, 52

A MAN who denies involvement in a murder was yesterday released on bail under “stringent conditions”.

John Keenan, 52, is accused, along with his nephew Christopher, of murdering Anthony Mcerlain in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, last January.

During a bail application made at Belfast Crown Court, it emerged the 48-year-old’s body was discovered lying face-down in the living room of a flat in the Broombeg View area of the seaside town.

A prosecutor told the court: “There was a considerable amount of blood around the wall, and there were fragments of a frying pan or saucepan lying close to the deceased. There was also a blue cord rope covered in blood lying close to him.”

Saying the Crown was opposing bail, the prosecutor said some of the claims made by Keenan, of Victoria Street, Belfast, “don’t seem to tally”.

The prosecutor also spoke of concerns of a “major risk of flight”, prompted, she said, by that fact following the alleged murder Keenan went to London then Cardiff.

Mr Justice Colton said after considering the case, he was willing to release Keenan under stringent conditions. These included residing at a suitable address in Portstewart, staying out of Ballycastle, observing a 9pm to 7am curfew and reporting to police five times a week.

BELFAST COURT YESTERDAY