Teenager on murder charge

The scene was cordoned off by police

A 16-year-old youth has appeared in court charged with murder.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of killing 30-year-old Alister David Homes.

Mr Holmes was found dead in his flat at Eglantine Avenue in south Belfast on New Year's Eve, after neighbours contacted the fire service.

Appearing at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Saturday, the accused spoke only to confirm that he understood the nature of the charges against him.

He is alleged to have killed Mr Holmes sometime on 30/31 December.

Mr Holmes, who police believed to have been a member of the gay community, was found badly beaten and stabbed at his flat.

The accused was charged on Friday and a detective told the court that he replied: "I don't remember what happened but I didn't intend to kill or harm Alistair in any way. I'm sorry that he is dead."

The youth was remanded to Hydebank Young Offenders Centre until next week.

Mr Holmes was originally from Bush, outside Dungannon in County Tyrone.

His funeral was held at Newmills Presbyterian Church on Wednesday.