Man charged over nightclub death


A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with killing a man outside a Cookstown nightclub on Saturday night.

Christopher Murphy, a shop worker from Tullagh Drive in Cookstown, is accused of the manslaughter of 31-year-old Conor McCusker from Ballinderry.
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Mr McCusker was on a night out with his brother Niall, the vice-captain of the Derry GAA team, when he suffered serious head injuries in a fight.

Mr Murphy was remanded in custody, and the case was adjourned until May.

Mr McCusker was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, and died on Monday.

Mr Murphy, who had visible bruising to his right eye, spoke only to confirm his date of birth during the brief hearing at Strabane Magistrates court.

He nodded to confirm he understood the charge.

A detective sergeant told the court that when the manslaughter charge was put to Mr Murphy he "had nothing to say".

He said he believed he could connect him to the charge.

A defence lawyer told the court he had been instructed not to apply for bail.

Mr Murphy nodded to members of his family, some of whom were sobbing in the public gallery, as he was led away.



THE BBC