Man remanded over biker's killing

James Silver, a former sidecar racing champion

A 21-year-old County Antrim man has appeared at Belfast Magistrate's Court charged with the murder of a Scottish motorcycling champion.

Paul Raymond Baird, of Beechgrove in Lisburn, is accused of murdering James Silver.

Mr Silver died from head injuries at Hawthorne Way in Ballyclare, County Antrim, on Sunday morning.

He suffered a serious head injury and staggered out of the house to a grassy area where he was allegedly stabbed.

His family has a long tradition in motorbikes

Police later recovered a metal candlestick and two knives allegedly used in the assault.

Detective Inspector James Templeton told the court Mr Baird replied "no" when charged on Monday afternoon at Antrim police station.

"I believe I can connect him with the charge," he said.

Defence solicitor Seamus Leonard said on behalf of his client he wanted to express his deep regret at his involvement in the incident, the full extent of which had still to be established.

'Understood the charge'

The solicitor said he wished to put on record that forensic examinations on behalf of the police and the defence had established that Mr Baird did not die from stab wounds as had been originally claimed.

He said he had died as a result of a blunt trauma injury to the head.

The defendant did not speak during the brief hearing and nodded his head when the court clerk asked if he understood the charge.

Mr Baird, a salesman, was remanded in custody until 22 July when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

Mr Silver, 49, was from Peterculter, near Aberdeen, but moved to Ballyclare late last year.