Two in court on murder charge

Two men have been in court in County Antrim, charged with murdering a retired policeman last weekend.

William Kennedy, 65, was found dead by his daughter at his bungalow in Brookfield Gardens, Ahoghill, on Sunday morning at about 0930 GMT.

In the dock at Ballymena Magistrate's Court on Thursday were Alan McCook, 25, from Galgorm Road in Ahoghill and Mervyn Williamson, 21, from Brookfield Gardens, Ahoghill.

Both deny the murder charge.

A police detective sergeant told the court she believed she could connect the accused with the charges.

Under cross examination from defence lawyers, the detective sergeant said Mr McCook made a statement denying he had caused any injury to Mr Kennedy but admitted obtaining the murder weapon.

The court was also told Mr Williamson had made a statement explaining his involvement.

They were remanded in custody to appear in court again in the New Year.