06/06/2012
Murder Was Thwarted Suicide Bid, Court Hears
A man killed his former lover in a suicide bid gone wrong, a court heard.
Fred McClenaghan, 49, of Broad Street, Magherafelt, is on trial charged with murdering Marion Millican with a shotgun as she ate her lunch in a launderette in Portstewart on March 11 2011.
He denies murder, and in a prepared statement which was read out in court he said he planned to kill himself and for her to witness it.
The statement added: "I didn't intend to harm Marion... Marion's death was an accident and I am truly sorry."
But prosecution lawyers at Antrim Crown Court said her death was "murder pure and simple" and that forensic tests "give lie to the claim that her death was an accident".
A lawyer said that Mrs Millican had been warned by police of the threat to her life, as she was planning to end her violent relationship with Mr McClenaghan and go back to her husband Kenny.
He said the accused had told counsellors of his own suicidal feelings in the months before the shooting, but had framed it in terms of wanting to kill his girlfriend and then himself.
Trial Judge Corinne Philpott QC heard that Mr McClenaghan was angry after being rejected and had armed himself and shot Mrs Millican deliberately.
The trial continues.
(NE)
Fred McClenaghan, 49, of Broad Street, Magherafelt, is on trial charged with murdering Marion Millican with a shotgun as she ate her lunch in a launderette in Portstewart on March 11 2011.
He denies murder, and in a prepared statement which was read out in court he said he planned to kill himself and for her to witness it.
The statement added: "I didn't intend to harm Marion... Marion's death was an accident and I am truly sorry."
But prosecution lawyers at Antrim Crown Court said her death was "murder pure and simple" and that forensic tests "give lie to the claim that her death was an accident".
A lawyer said that Mrs Millican had been warned by police of the threat to her life, as she was planning to end her violent relationship with Mr McClenaghan and go back to her husband Kenny.
He said the accused had told counsellors of his own suicidal feelings in the months before the shooting, but had framed it in terms of wanting to kill his girlfriend and then himself.
Trial Judge Corinne Philpott QC heard that Mr McClenaghan was angry after being rejected and had armed himself and shot Mrs Millican deliberately.
The trial continues.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Man Extradited From RoI To Stand Trial In NI A 41-year-old man has been extradited to NI from the Republic of Ireland, to stand trial for an offence of grievous bodily harm.
Other News In Brief
Man Extradited From RoI To Stand Trial In NI A 41-year-old man has been extradited to NI from the Republic of Ireland, to stand trial for an offence of grievous bodily harm.
31 January 2024
Man Extradited From Poland To NI To Stand Trial For Alleged Child Sex Offences
A 59-year old man that has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland is to stand trial for sexual offences against children today, 31 January. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit extradited the man yesterday, 30 January, ahead of his expected appearance before Downpatrick Crown Court today.
Man Extradited From Poland To NI To Stand Trial For Alleged Child Sex Offences
A 59-year old man that has been extradited from Poland to Northern Ireland is to stand trial for sexual offences against children today, 31 January. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit extradited the man yesterday, 30 January, ahead of his expected appearance before Downpatrick Crown Court today.
20 November 2017
Man To Serve At Least 13 Years For Laundrette Murder
The murderer of Marion Millican, Fred McClenaghan, has been sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison. The Magherafelt man, aged 56, pleaded guilty to murdering the mother-of-four. The PSNI described him as a very "callous and dangerous" man.
Man To Serve At Least 13 Years For Laundrette Murder
The murderer of Marion Millican, Fred McClenaghan, has been sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison. The Magherafelt man, aged 56, pleaded guilty to murdering the mother-of-four. The PSNI described him as a very "callous and dangerous" man.
12 June 2012
Marion Millican Gun 'Thrown In Ditch'
The shotgun used to kill a woman at the Portstewart launderette where she worked was thrown into a ditch afterwards, a court has heard. A witness in the trial of Fred McClenaghan, 49, said the accused told her he had shot somebody and that he threw the gun in a ditch.
Marion Millican Gun 'Thrown In Ditch'
The shotgun used to kill a woman at the Portstewart launderette where she worked was thrown into a ditch afterwards, a court has heard. A witness in the trial of Fred McClenaghan, 49, said the accused told her he had shot somebody and that he threw the gun in a ditch.
12 January 2016
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.