TWO MEN have appeared in court in Co Armagh charged with the murder of journalist Martin O'Hagan in Lurgan seven years ago.
Neil Hyde (28), Princeton Avenue, and Nigel Leckey (43), Bowens Lane, both Lurgan, were yesterday charged with murdering the Sunday Worldreporter in 2001. He was shot only yards from his home as he walked from a pub with his wife.
Two other men appeared in Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with other offences related to the death. Robin King (42) was charged with perverting the course of justice and Mark Kennedy (28) with attempting to impede the apprehension of offenders.
Police officers said they were seeking other suspects.
Mr Hyde spoke only to confirm his name. He was remanded in custody to Craigavon Magistrates' Court by a video link on October 10th.
"Mr Leckey is within the LVF fraternity in mid-Ulster," a detective hold the court, "and I feel if he was released he would interfere with witnesses and as a result commit further offences."
Magistrate Rosie Waters said she shared police concerns about Mr Leckey and remanded him in custody also to appear via video link in Craigavon on October 10th.
The court heard that Mr King was a leading member of the LVF and before his arrest last week had been out of jail on licence since 2000 following a previous conviction for murder. He was also remanded to appear at Craigavon Court on October 10th.
There was no objection to a bail application for Mr Kennedy.
- (PA)