Judgment has been reserved at Belfast Crown Court in the case of three Cookstown men accused of the murder of another person who died during what they claimed was a punishment beating which "got out of hand".
Mr George Scott (31) died in his Killymoon Street flat in the Co Tyrone town on September 22nd, 1996. His death was due to blockage of his airways by blood from severe head wounds. He also suffered a fractured voice box. Denying murder are Mr Rodger Crooks (24), McKinney Park, and brothers Mr Gary McGuckin (31) and Mar McGuckin (36), both of Milburn Close.
Two other men, Robert Stewart (39) and George Watterson (31), both of Stewart Avenue, Cookstown, have already pleaded guilty to Mr Scott's manslaughter. Reserving judgment, Mr Justice Kerr said the case gave rise to complex matters which he would have to consider.