Man charged with uncle's murder

The stabbing happened at the victim's house

A County Down man accused of killing his uncle told police the victim had sexually abused him as a child, a court has been told.

Thomas Ian McQuade, 30, from Shackleton Walk in Newtownards is charged with murdering 59-year-old Joseph McQuade.

The victim's body was found at his home on the Magherascouse Road near Comber on Friday night.

He had been stabbed several times.

Thomas McQuade appeared before a special sitting of Newtownards Magistrates Court on Sunday.

The court heard that when charged with murder, he replied: "I just want to say that he ruined my life, so I ruined his."

Remanded

An RUC detective sergeant confirmed that, under questioning, the accused claimed his uncle had sexually abused him when he was young.

He said his "pent up" frustration had led him to killing his uncle, the court heard.

Thomas McQuade made only a short court appearance and remained standing throughout. He was remanded in custody.