A MAN who denies murdering James McDonagh from Castledawson but admits assaulting him has been remanded in custody.
Finbar McCoy, from Loughbeg Road in Toomebridge faced Derry Magistrates’ Court today for a first appearance where a district judge heard tensions were running high in Toomebridge following the murder.
During the hearing, a detective told the court Mr McDonagh had been the victim of a one punch attack to the head.
During the incident, he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground which “brought about the tragedy of his death”.
Mr McDonagh, 28, was found on the HillHead Road in Toomebridge following an argument outside the nearby Elk Inn bar and nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He was first taken to Antrim Area Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to be treated by a specialist head trauma unit.
Tragically, Mr McDonagh subsequently died of his injuries sparking a murder inquiry.
Derry Magistrates’ Court heard today that when cautioned and charged with the murder, 24-year-old McCoy denied the charge but allegedly admitted assaulting Mr McDonagh,
In response to the murder charge, McCoy allegedly replied: “I can’t bring together to say how sorry I am.
“I feel so sad for his family but I did not murder James McDonagh.”
The detective told the court McCoy had co-operated with the police investigation
McCoy was remanded in custody to Maghaberry Prison.
The defendant will appear back at Derry Magistrates’ Court via video link on Thursday, February 11.
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