A man has been formally charged with the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney.
Terence Davison (49) today appeared in Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with killing McCartney on January 30th.
McCartney (33) was beaten and stabbed after being dragged from Magennis's bar near the Markets area.
A second man (36) James McCormick was charged with the attempted murder of McCartney's friend Mr Brendan Devine on the same night.
Mr Davison and Mr McCormick, both from the Markets area of south Belfast deny the charges.
McCartney's five sisters - Paula, Catherine, Gemma, Donna and Claire attended the 15-minute hearing at Laganside Courthouse which was watched by a packed public gallery.
At the start of the hearing Mr Davison, who was wearing a blue polo shirt and jeans, was asked if he understood the charge. He replied: “Yes.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Dunwoody told the court that when he put the charge to Mr Davison at Antrim, he replied: “Definitely not guilty.”
Mr Dunwoody said two witnesses had given statements identifying Mr Davison but there was no forensic evidence linking him to the murder.
Mr McCormick, who was wearing a blue checked shirt and jeans, nodded when he was asked if he understood the charge against him.
The court heard two witnesses had given statements identifying Mr McCormick and there was also some forensic evidence against him.
Mr Justice Ken Nixon remanded both men in custody and told them they will re-appear by video link on July 1st.