Mother murder probe talks planned

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PSNI detectives intend to go to Canada to interview the brother of a man charged with murdering his mother, Belfast High Court has been told.

But a Crown lawyer said the Canadian authorities had still not agreed to admit officers from another country.

The news came during an unsuccessful bail application by David McCartan, 35.

He denies, along with his wife Geraldine, murdering 75-year-old Annie McCartan in her home in Warrenpoint, County Down, last June.

Mrs McCartan was beaten, stabbed and had her throat cut in her home at Summerhill.

At a previous hearing it was alleged she was murdered because she was blocking a property development which would have earned her son £2.4m.

Crown lawyer Charles McKay said police wanted to interview Frank McCartan about a phone call made to him by his brother about the cause of their mother's death.

"We say that phone call is clear and cogent evidence linking David McCartan to the murder of his mother," Mr McKay said.

He opposed bail because he said it would enable the accused to make contact with his brother before police.

'Red herring'

However, a defence lawyer said: "Canada is a red herring."

He said the police investigation had been going on for nine months, the accused's wife had already been granted bail and it was time he was also released on strict conditions.

Mr Justice Morgan said there was substance in the Crown's submission regarding risk if McCartan was released.

He refused bail, but said that once the Canadian investigation was completed "there would be considerable substance in a renewed application".