Banbridge man to stand trial for murder

By Paul Higgins

A Banbridge man accused of stabbing a man in the back was today (thurs) ordered to stand trial for murder. 

Standing handcuffed in the dock of Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, 28-year-old David Robert Boyd told Banbridge confirmed that he understood the charge against him and did not object to the Preliminary Enquiry, the legal process by which a case is referred upwards to the Crown Court. 

Boyd, from Scarva Walk in Banbridge but currently on remand in prison, is charged with the murder of Richard Scullion on 6 July last year.

The body of Mr Scullion (55) was discovered at a property in Millmount Court at 4.50pm and it has since been revealed that he was stabbed twice in the back.

The court previously heard that Mr Scullion's body was discovered face down on the kitchen floor of the flat by a witness.

In court today (thurs) a lawyer for the prosecution submitted there was a Prima Facile case against the alleged killer, a submission concede by the defence. 

Boyd was told that although not obliged to, he had the right to comment on the charge or call evidence to the PE but he declined the opportunity. 

Remanding Boyd back into custody, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay ordered him to appear at Belfast Crown Court for his arraignment on 23 May and extended legal aid to allow a senior QC to be instructed for the defence.