Two men and a 16-year-old schoolboy appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court today charged in connection with the murder of a man shot as he lay in bed beside his girlfriend.
Mr Louis Maguire (37), unemployed, of Whinpark Road, Newtownards, Co Down, was charged with murdering Mr David Barnes at a flat in Brookvale Avenue, north Belfast, on March 8th this year.
The schoolboy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Mr Daniel McGeough (49), unemployed, of Millar Park, Laurencestown, Co Armagh, were charged with conspiracy to murder Mr Barnes between November 1st last year and March 8th this year.
Mr McGeough alone was also charged with inciting Mr Maguire to murder his wife, Mr Elaine Maguire, on June 8th this year.
He was also charged that between June 8th and 13th this year, knowing or believing another person was guilty of committing an arrestable offence, namely the murder of Mr Barnes, he conveyed information regarding a false threat against Mr Maguire with intent to impede his apprehension or prosecution.
The court was told by a police witness that, when charged with the murder, Mr Maguire responded "absolute nonsense". The court was told the schoolboy replied "not guilty" when he was charged and Mr McGeough made no reply.
The adults were remanded in custody to appear again by video link on July 10th; the 16-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at a youth court by video link on July 8th.
On Saturday, Mr Maguire's wife Elaine (31) was remanded in custody at the same court charged with conspiring to murder Mr Barnes between November 1st, 2002 and March 8th, 2003. She was remanded in custody until July 11th.
Mr Barnes (39), was shot dead early on March 8th as he slept beside his girlfriend. His brother was asleep in a nearby room. MThe victim, a Catholic, was shot twice in the head at close range with a pistol and died at the scene.