A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder in north Belfast of David Cupples, who died on Christmas Day. The 25- year-old Protestant man was attacked on December 23rd and suffered fatal head injuries in Cliftonpark Avenue as he walked to Girdwood British army barracks, where he worked in the kitchens. One theory is that Mr Cupples was attacked because he was mistaken for a Catholic.
The latest suspect, a 20-year-old, was arrested yesterday and is being questioned. Two 20-year-old men from Belfast appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of attempting to interfere with evidence in the case. They are Mr Darren Paul, from Lyndhurstview Avenue in the Ballygomartin area of north Belfast, and Mr Brian Dickson, from Azamor Street in the Shankill area.
They are also charged in relation to a pipe-bomb attack on the home of Mr John Gregg, a prominent UDA member in south Antrim, on December 21st. They were remanded in custody until January 28th.