Murder victim Christopher Meli aged just 20 was buried today after Requiem Mass

THE funeral of murder victim Christopher Meli has taken place in west Belfast.

As his family held a Requiem Mass for the 20-year-old, a teenager charged with his murder was granted bail at Belfast youth court.

Mr Meli, a father of one died after he was attacked by a gang of youths in Glasvey Close in the Twinbrook estate on Saturday, December 12.

His coffin was taken from his home in Sliabh Dubh Lane today and placed in a horse-drawn funeral hearse.

A lone piper led the cortege to the Church of the Annunciation, New Barnsley, for Requiem Mass.

Corpus Christi curae Fr Aidan Denny told mourners: “Nothing can prepare us for something like this.

“Naturally, we ask why it happened.

“There is a tendency to say it is the will of God. But let us be perfectly clear. God did not will this tragedy to happen.”

Three teenagers appeared in court last week charged with murder. Detectives revisited the scene on Sunday to issue a fresh appeal for information.

They described the attack as “sustained and vicious assault”.

A 16-year-old was today granted bail despite police objections.

However, Lee Smyth, who is also charged with Mr Meli’s murder, was refused bail and will remain in custody over festive season.