Second man charged with murder of Victor Hamilton in Ballymena

A second man has appeared in court accused of the murder of Victor Hamilton in Ballymena, Co Antrim last week.

Mario Menezes (33), of Portmore Street, Portadown, appeared via video-link at Antrim Magistrates’ Court to face a single charge of murder. He indicated he understood the charge when it was put to him. A detective said he believed he could connect the accused to the charge.

No bail application was made during the brief hearing and the matter was adjourned until August 25th.

Mr Hamilton was found dead in the driveway of his home in Orkney Drive last Wednesday morning. Another man appeared before a district judge on Monday accused of the murder of the 63-year-old.

Mamadu Saido Djalo (29), from Springfield Crescent in Belfast, was remanded in custody following the hearing. A detective sergeant told the court he could connect Mr Djalo to the charge.

Blaine Nugent, representing Mr Djalo, requested that the case be listed again in a week’s time so a bail application could be made. Deputy District judge Philip Mateer remanded Mr Djalo in custody until August 8th.

A 23-year-old woman arrested in Belfast on Friday by detectives investigating the murder was released on bail on Sunday pending further police inquiries.