A SECOND man appeared in court yesterday accused of murdering a teenager in north Belfast nearly four years ago.
Nigel Brown (25) was charged by detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Thomas Devlin in August 2005.
Brown, whose address was given as Maghaberry Prison, is further accused of attempting to murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a friend of the victim.
He was remanded in custody following a brief hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court. Thomas Devlin was knifed to death close to his home in the Fort William area of the city as he and two friends returned from buying sweets.
Another of the group, Jonathan McKee, was also injured in the attack.
The parents of the dead teenager were in court to hear a detective sergeant say he could connect Brown with the offences. During cross-examination the officer confirmed that no new evidence has emerged since a direction was given that he face more serious charges.
Brown was due to be sentenced last Friday for an offence connected with the killing, only for the prosecution to seek an adjournment.
He will now be held in custody until a preliminary inquiry hearing takes place next month.
Another man, Gary Taylor (22), of Ross House, Mount Vernon, Belfast, has also been charged with murdering Thomas Devlin and the attempted murder of Jonathan McKee.