The scene of the wedding shooting in Newtownbutler
A 23-year old man and a 17-year-old youth have been charged with the murder of Bernard McGinley who was shot dead while attending a wedding at St Mary’s Church, Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, on February 11, 2015.
Patrick McGinley who was residing in Co Longford is the son of Patrick McGinley (49) and brother of William McGinley (28) who are currently awaiting trial on charges of the murder.
He appeared before Omagh Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday) along with the teenager whose name can not be published because of his age.
The late Mr McGinley was the uncle of accused Patrick McGinley (Snr).
The court was told the young defendants handed themselves into the authorities by arrangement.
They have been charged with the murder of Bernard McGinley (Snr) and the attempted murder of Bernard McGinley (Jnr).
A police officer objected to bail on grounds that they might flee the jurisdiction.
She stated that for two years they have known the PSNI wished to speak to them but never made themselves available for interview.
The constable added, “Police are pleased they have now come forward but are not sure why. Maybe it is because their extradition was pending. They turned up out of the blue and if they get bail may change their minds and go out of the jurisdiction.”
She also said there was a danger of interference with witnesses as those involved in the case know each other. The PSNI officer added, “There have been threats and intimidation on both sides. We fear something could erupt. The other defendants have feared for their safety and have made reports of masked men and have had to vary their times for reporting to the police station as part of their bail conditions.”
The court was also told that father and son Patrick and William McGinley who were living in Edgeworthstown, Longford, have been residing in the Enniskillen area as part of their bail conditions. They are currently on bail of £50,000 each under strict conditions. Both men were in the public gallery of the court yesterday.
Defence solicitor Seamus Leonard said neither of the young men in the dock was the “alleged gun man.” He stated that they had been charged on the basis of “joint enterprise” and had come forward as the realised the case will be dealt with next year.
He said they will live with family members in Fermanagh. Mr Leonard also pointed out that the “child” was just 14-years-old when the murder took place. He also suggested that the factual evidence against Patrick McGinley (Jnr) and the youth were “not nearly as serious” as that against Patrick McGinley (Snr) and his son William.
Bail was granted to Patrick McGinley (Jnr) on the sum of £10,000 and to the youth on his own bail of £50 and a cash surety of £2,000.
They were ordered to report to police each day, to surrender their passports, not to leave the jurisdiction and not interfere with any witnesses.
They will appear before Enniskillen Magistrates Court on June 26.
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