Three men have been charged with the murder of Mr Denver Smith, who was bludgeoned to death in Antrim on New Year's Day. The father of three died from head wounds after being assaulted in the Stiles estate.
Mr Smith (32), a Protestant, was found on a green in the estate at Rathglynn by police who came following reports that a man was being attacked. He was buried yesterday at Belmont Cemetery.
The accused appeared before a special sitting of Antrim Magistrates' Court yesterday. They are Mr Jerome Archibald (23) and Mr David Burns (20), both of Ardnaglass Gardens in the Stiles estate; and Mr Stephen Guiney (18), of Devon Close in the Rathenraw estate.
None of the defendants made any reply to the charges, and they were remanded in custody following the one-hour hearing. A co-accused was released on bail.
All four are expected to appear again at Antrim Magistrates' Court next Wednesday. The RUC has said there is the possibility of further arrests and charges during the week.