Man accused of Limavady teenager Blake Newland’s murder refused bail

A judge today refused to grant bail to a man accused of the murder of Limavady teenager Blake Newland.

Appearing via videolink before Coleraine Magistrates Court was Michael McGlinchey, of  Roe Mill Gardens, Limavady.

The 53 year-old is charged with the murder of Blake Newland, who was stabbed a number of times during an incident at Woodland Walk in the town on February 2.

Appearing on the videolink alongside McGlinchey was his two sons, Stephen McGlinchey (28), of Ballyhanedin Road, Claudy, and Andrew McGlinchey (29), of Roemill Gardens, Limavady.

Both men are also accused of the murder of Mr Newland.  Andrew McGlinchey is further accused of assaulting a police officer.

Applying for bail, Michael McGlinchey's barrister, Neil Moore, asked if police had any objections to releasing the accused.

An investigating officer told the court that a proposed bail address in Coleraine, which had been put forward by the accused, was not suitable as police believe it is too close to Limavady, where 'tensions are still running high' following the murder.

The investigating officer added that the resident at the property is also refusing to accept McGlinchey.

Outlining the facts, the officer told the court that Stephen McGlinchey had allegedly been assaulted by the deceased on the date in question and rather than report the incident to police Michael McGlinchey and his two sons left the house together and made their way to the juvenile's home.

The investigating officer said a knife was taken to the scene and she claimed that Michael McGlinchey went to Mr Newland's home 'in the knowledge that violence would ensue'.

She stated that police still have a number of witnesses to speak to in the case, 76 exhibits have yet to be processed and the timeframe for the postmortem results is currently six months. 

She said there are fears that Michael McGlinchey would refuse to answer bail if released.

The investgating officer said that 'tensions are continuing to run high' in the north Derry town in the aftermath of the murder and she said that the McGlinchey family had received a sympathy card in February which read 'RIP Stephen McGlinchey'.  The card also referred to him as a 'rapist' and stated that he 'must die'.  

Neil Moore, barrister for the McGlincheys, told the court that there was a 'very detailed bail motion' before the court and argued that the charge levelled against Michael McGlinchey was 'on the grounds of joint enterprise'.

Mr Moore said Michael McGlinchey left his home with his two sons on the night in question 'with a view to calm the situation'.

He said Michael McGlinchey was 'knocked unconscious' as soon as he arrived at the scene and was 'unconscious' throughout the whole incident. He was then taken to Altnagelvin Hospital where he spent almost a week receiving treatment for his injuries.

Mr Moore said he would not be 'mooting' any bail address for Michael McGlinchey that police are not satisfied with.

District Judge Peter King said he 'would like to have control of' a bail address for Michael McGlinchey.

“I am not going to grant bail today but as soon as you have an address that you think will satisfy the court and police, I am happy for you to bring the case back again.”

Michael McGlinchey is due to appear before the court again on April 22.

Stephen and Andrew McGlinchey were further remanded in custody and will appear before the court again on the same date.