A man told police he was in a fight with a student who plunged to his death from the balcony of a ninth floor Belfast apartment, a court heard today.
Belfast Magistrates Court was told today the alleged altercation took place after an 18th birthday party moved from a bar in the north of the city to the flat at King Street.
James Murray (19), was found dead early on Saturday morning after falling from a communal balcony into the courtyard below. Mr Murray, who lived in the Lagmore area of west Belfast, had moved from Dublin in September to live with his father.
Mark Keenan (26), was later charged with his murder after voluntarily attending a police station.
Mr Keenan, from Halliday’s Road, Belfast, was remanded in custody today after a judge was told police still have 11 witnesses they want to speak to.
A detective sergeant told the court Mr Keenan was stopped twice by police on Saturday morning after emergency services were called to the scene. On one occasion he was allowed on his way after telling officers he was coming from his girlfriend’s house, the court heard.
According to the detective, Mr Keenan went into Antrim Road station later that day.
“The defendant informed police he had been involved in a fight with the deceased, and the deceased had subsequently fallen off the balcony and he was unaware how this had happened,” the officer said.
Refusing bail, District Judge George Conner said he was concerned about the possible interference with witnesses still to be interviewed. He remanded Mr Keenan in custody for one week, but stressed that he could be released if police have not made progress during that period.