Malcolm McKeown: Two males discovered in charge over Waringstown homicide

Two males had been discovered in charge of the homicide of Malcolm McKeown in 2019.

Mr McKeown, 54, was once shot as he sat in a BMW parked behind a provider station in Waringstown, County Down, in August of that 12 months.

Jake O’Brien, 30, from Rectory Road in Lurgan, County Armagh, and Andrew Thomas Kenneth Martin of Bridge Street in Banbridge, County Down, had been each discovered in charge at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

Two different males – Stevie Lee Watson, 36, from Princeton Avenue in Lurgan and 36-year-old Simon Smyth from Hazelgrove Avenue in Lurgan – had been each acquitted of homicide and possessing a firearm with intent to hazard lifestyles.

Martin admitted to “aiding and abetting” Mr McKeown’s homicide final 12 months.

However, whilst the 29-year-old was once given an automated lifestyles sentence, his plea was once now not authorized by way of the Crown.

During the non-jury Diplock trial, the assistant state pathologist stated the sufferer died from bullet wounds to his head and frame and was once hit by way of a minimum of six bullets.

The pathologist stated it was once “quite possible” the muzzle of the weapon have been pressed towards the sufferer’s pores and skin.

It was once additionally heard that Mr McKeown was once all in favour of a feud with a prison organisation referred to as ‘The Firm’.

Two younger boys out using their motorcycles discovered Mr McKeown’s frame.

More to observe.