Two Charged With Journalist O'Hagan's Murder

Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of Sunday World reporter Martin O'Hagan.

Neil Hyde, 28, of Princetown Avenue, and Nigel William Leckey, 43, of Bowens Lane were both accused of the 2001 killing.

Mr Leckey was also charged with possessing ammunition.

Further charges were brought against two other men at Lisburn Magistrates Court.

Robin Andrew King, 42, described in court as a leading member of the LVF, was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of, or concealing, the getaway car.

Mark Kennedy, 28, was accused of helping to facilitate the disposal or concealment of the getaway car.

Hyde, Leckey and King were remanded in custody, due to concerns of intimidation, absconding or committing further offences.

Mr Kennedy was granted bail.

Mr O'Hagan was gunned down in his hometown of Lugan in 2001.

The crime journalist, 51, was walking home from a night out with his wife when the attack happened.

Having written a series of exposé articles on loyalist drug dealing and security force collusion, Mr O'Hagan's life had been under threat.

The Red Hand Defenders originally claimed responsibility for the assassination.

The group is a known cover name for the Loyalist Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association.

(PR/JM)