A Larne man charged with the murder of Andrew Cairns at an 11th-night bonfire in the town three months ago was granted bail yesterday by the High Court in Belfast. The 22-year-old UVF man was shot in the head by a gunman after being surrounded by a crowd of men who punched and kicked him. He died instantly.
Mr Justice Gillen heard Ryan Robert Connor (18), from Linn Road, admitting being present at the bonfire and hearing "the bang", but denied taking part in the assault. Mr Justice Gillen said those involved in such an offence would not be granted bail lightly, but justice required parity of treatment and two others involved in not dissimilar ways had already been granted bail.