Friends 'to kill murder suspects'

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Friends of a man murdered in Dungannon are plotting to kill two fellow Lithuanians accused of beating him to death, the High Court has heard.

The alleged threat against Ricardas Stonkus and Vaidotas Stirbys was made after the murder of fellow countryman Donotas Veleeka earlier this month.

Opposing bail by Mr Stonkus, which was refused, a prosecution lawyer claimed tensions had soared among Lithuanians in the Country Tyrone town.

Both men deny Mr Veleeka's murder.

He was assaulted outside a bar, and died later in hospital.

The judge said that even if the murder charge against Mr Stonkus, 20, proved unsuccessful, there was still strong evidence of a serious assault.

Refusing bail, he also said he feared Mr Stonkus, who has an address in Dungannon, might leave Northern Ireland.