NI man tried for murder in Dublin

Forensics experts examine the murder scene in west Belfast

A Belfast man accused of murder has chosen to be tried in Dublin under rarely used anti-terrorist laws.

Gerard Mackin, of Raheen Close, Tallaght, is charged with the murder of Edward Burnsand attempted murder of Damien O'Neill in Belfast last year.

Mr Mackin, 25, who denies the offences, was charged under the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act of 1976.

It allows suspects to be tried in the Republic for offences committed in Britain or Northern Ireland.

Mr Mackin was told by Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three judge non-jury court, that he had the option to be tried in Dublin or taken in custody for trial in Belfast.

He replied: "I'd like to be tried in the south.''

He was then arraigned on four charges.

Mr Mackin, originally from the Whiterock area of west Belfast also denied intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr O'Neill and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The body of Mr Burns was discovered after Mr O'Neill arrived at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and told police he had been shot close to the Bog Meadows nature reserve in March 2007.

After his arraignment, Mr Mackin was remanded in continuing custody until October when his trial is expected to go ahead.