Police quiz Kieran McLaughlin about ‘separate matter’

A MAN currently in custody on a murder charge is being questioned by police about a “separate matter.”

Kieran McLaughlin (58) has been in custody since being charged with the murder of Barry McCrory.

Mr McCrory was shot dead in a Derry city centre flat on October 10 last year.

McLaughlin is also charged with the possession a shotgun and shotgun cartridges with the intent to endanger life.

At Derry Magistrates Court this morning, McLaughlin was released into police custody after detectives said they wished to speak to him about “separate matters.”

McLaughlin was released into police custody until 11.30am tomorrow.

Murder accused Kieran MLaughlin leaves Derry Magistrates’ Court on Friday

A 58-year-old Derry man has appeared in court charged with murder of Barry McCrory.

Kieran Edward Joseph McLaughlin, unemployed, from Elaghmore Park in Galliagh, was also charged with the possession a shotgun and shotgun cartridges with the intent to endanger life when he appeared at Derry Magistrates Court this morning.

Mr McCrory (35) was shot dead by a lone gunman in a flat in Shipquay Street in the city on 10 October last.

Handcuffed in the dock between two police officers and wearing a dark grey tee-shirt and dark trousers, McLaughlin replied “I confirm, yes” when asked to confirm his identity. He answered “I do” when asked if he understood the charges against him.

PSNI Detective Gary McLaughlin told the court he believed he could connect the accused to the charges.

In reply to defence solicitor, Kevin Casey, Det McLaughlin said there was “no terrorist” connection to the case.

Court papers related to the case show McLaughlin replied “Not guilty, this is a media smear campaign” when the murder charge was put to him.

He answered “not guilty” when charged with possession of a shotgun and cartridges.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the same court via video link on 13 November.

Leaving the dock, McLaughlin spoke briefly to his two daughters who were in the public gallery for the brief hearing.

McLaughlin was brought to Bishop Street courthouse from Strand Road police station.

On arrival, he was cheered by around 12 supporters who shouted “keep your head up.”

As he was led into court, he gave a “thumbs up” sign before raising his arms and shouting “no problem.”

Following his appearance, he again gave the “thumbs up” sign to around 25 applauding supporters as he was driven away in a police vehicle.

Police charge Kieran McLaughlin with the murder of Barry McCrory

A 58-year-old man has been charged with the murder of ‘ celebrity criminal’ Barry McCrory last week.

Kieran McLaughlin has also been charged with firearm offences.

He is due to appear at Derry Magistrates’ court on Saturday morning.

Detectives were granted a 36-hour extension to question the 58-year-old at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday.

McLaughlin had been brought to court from the PSNI Serious Crime Suite in Antrim.

There was a heavy police presence both inside and outside the court during the brief appearance.

A heavy police presence is expected at the Bishop Street courthouse on Saturday morning where McLaughlin will appear charged with murder and possession of firearms.

Murder hunt suspect Kieran McLaughlin is armed and dangeerou

DISSIDENT republican Kieran McLaughlin, the chief suspect in the murder of Barry McCrory, is armed and mentally unstable, say police.

And a cross border hunt by PSNI and Garda detectives are believed to be acting on information that McLaughlin may now be in the Inishowen area of Co Donegal.

Gardaí and PSNI officers also believe that McLaughlin may try to enter the Derry City area again to carry out further attacks.

They believe he was responsible for the stabbing of a man in the Creggan area of Derry last Tuesday.

Mr McCrory was shot dead at his apartment in Shipquay Street on Thursday morning.

Anyone who sees McLaughlin should not approach him and dial ‘999’ immediately.

A search in the Burnfoot and Muff areas of Inishowen has continued this afternoon after an overnight incident where Gardaí and Irish Army personnel surrounded a house in the Brae Road area, believing McLaughlin was there.

Gardaí say the operation in the area remains ‘live’ and searches are ongoing.

Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray called on the community in Donegal to remain extremely vigilant.