08 May 2012

Accused In Mackin Murder Case Claims To Have Been Impersonated

Belfast’s High Court heard today how a woman accused of killing Belfast man Christopher Mackin was "impersonated" to put in her in the frame.

Mr Mackin was shot seven times in Belfast city centre last March. 35-year-old Julie Ann Valliday is jointly accused of the murder with her husband Charles Valliday.

Prosecutors claim Mrs Valliday made phone contact with the victim 50 times in the hours leading up to the murder.

However, a defence lawyer said someone else had used her phone.

CCTV, telecommunications and cartridge discharge residue evidence forms the circumstantial case against Mrs Valliday.

During her application for bail it was claimed she was seen in a distinctive gown similar to that worn by the driver of a Renault Clio which was linked to the shooting and later burnt out.

The gun used in the shooting has not been recovered.

Defence lawyer Taylor Campbell said: "Whoever has committed this murder must be a fairly brutal, determined person."

"People like that think nothing of using other people to cover their tracks.”

He added: "If she was involved in this it would be utter insanity to use her own phone and identify herself by text."

Bail was refused due to fears of possible interference with the police investigation.

(H)