A joiner accused of a fatal stabbing after a house party near Belfast told of his deep regret when arrested, a court heard today.
Ciaran Irvine (22) was knifed to death following an Easter Sunday night out at Twinbrook on the western outskirts of the city.
The victim, a single man and plasterer by trade, was found dead at Juniper Park in the estate early on Monday.
At Lisburn Magistrates Court in Co Antrim today, Brendan Rice (22) appeared charged with his murder.
Mr Rice, of St Agnes Drive, Andersontown, West Belfast, had a cut above his left eye as he stood in the dock. He spoke only to confirm his name.
Detective Inspector Deborah McMaster told the court she could connect him with the killing. She also confirmed that when charged the accused replied: "I'm just awfully sorry."
A defence lawyer said his client had gone voluntarily to police within hours of the attack taking place.
The solicitor added: "He has provided an account to police in relation to the events on Monday morning.
"He said he had been with his girlfriend, another female and that he had been attacked by a number of people in the area."
Ms McMaster agreed with him that Mr Rice had suffered a number of injuries which had been seen by a police doctor.
The lawyer added: "In the course of two days in custody is it correct that Mr Rice repeatedly expressed his remorse in relation to the death of Mr Irvine?"
Ms McMaster confirmed this was the case. Another man and woman questioned about the killing have been released pending reports. The accused was remanded in custody until April 26th.