Guilty plea in schoolboy murder

Michael McIlveen died after being attacked by a gang in May 2006

One of the men accused of killing Ballymena schoolboy Michael McIlveen has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the murder.

Mervyn Wilson Moon, 20, of Douglas Terrace, Ballymena, changed his plea on Tuesday afternoon at Antrim Crown Court, five days into the trial.

He is one of six people accused of murdering the 15-year-old in May 2006.

Michael McIlveen died in hospital from his injuries after being attacked in an alleyway in the town centre.

Moon was remanded in custody. He will be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial, which is expected to last another 10 weeks.

His former co-accused, four men and one juvenile deny the charge of murder.

Another 18-year-old is accused of affray and causing criminal damage.

The trial continues.