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07/07/2008
Bangor Murder Suspect Named
The teenager charged with last week's murder of Bangor guesthouse owner Billy Spence, 68, has been in court.
James William McCoy, 19, with an address at the town's Simon Community hostel on Central Avenue, was remanded in custody for four weeks.
A defence solicitor described the accused as a "vulnerable young man," adding that he had a mental disorder.
McCoy has also been charged with stealing cash and a mobile phone and with having a knife with intent to steal.
Newtownards Magistrates Court was told the defence solicitor was delaying a planned bail application because of difficulties in finding suitable accommodation.
Mr Spence was found beaten and stabbed at the Tara Guesthouse on the Princetown Road in Bangor last week.
Police said Mr Spence had died on 30 June and his body was discovered by his partner the following day.
The victim is understood to have been dividing his time between the B&B and his girlfriend's home in Newprichard in the run up to his murder.
His small red hatchback car yesterday remained sitting outside the front door of the building was an unusual place for the victim to have parked.
It is the second time in as many years that the guest house has been targeted by burglars.
(BMCC)
James William McCoy, 19, with an address at the town's Simon Community hostel on Central Avenue, was remanded in custody for four weeks.
A defence solicitor described the accused as a "vulnerable young man," adding that he had a mental disorder.
McCoy has also been charged with stealing cash and a mobile phone and with having a knife with intent to steal.
Newtownards Magistrates Court was told the defence solicitor was delaying a planned bail application because of difficulties in finding suitable accommodation.
Mr Spence was found beaten and stabbed at the Tara Guesthouse on the Princetown Road in Bangor last week.
Police said Mr Spence had died on 30 June and his body was discovered by his partner the following day.
The victim is understood to have been dividing his time between the B&B and his girlfriend's home in Newprichard in the run up to his murder.
His small red hatchback car yesterday remained sitting outside the front door of the building was an unusual place for the victim to have parked.
It is the second time in as many years that the guest house has been targeted by burglars.
(BMCC)
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