Coroner Told Murder Motive Unknown

Police have admitted they had yet to establish a motive for the brutal killing of a man found murdered at his home in Hatfield Street, in Belfast's lower Ormeau Road, five years ago.

John Barr, 51, who was found, gagged in a bath full of water at his home an inquest heard this week.

He was kicked, punched and stamped on and then suffocated when a yellow dust cloth was stuffed into his mouth, coroner John Leckey was told.

Mr Barr was put into the bath following the prolonged attack to finish him off and to dispose of evidence according to police.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Crockett said: "The main assault took place in the bedroom before he was put in the bath."

Surfaces in the bedroom and bathroom had been wiped down. He also said police believed more than one person was involved, but there was no evidence of a forced entry.

Pathologist Professor Jack Crane said Mr Barr died following head injuries and suffocation with a gag and compression of chest.

The deceased's body was badly beaten and kicked and he suffered severe multiple blows to the head with a blunt instrument.

The body of unemployed Mr Barr had been discovered by his brother-in-law Thomas McCreight in April, 2003.

(BMcC)