Laurence Shaw death: Man facing murder charge

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Jackie McDowell leaving court on WednesdayImage source, PAcemaker
Image caption,

Jackie McDowell leaving court on Wednesday

A County Antrim man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Laurence Shaw in Larne.

56-year-old Mr Shaw was found in a house at Hillmount Gardens on 8 October.

Jackie McDowell of Upper Waterloo Road in Larne appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Wednesday in a wheelchair, with his legs in a cast.

The court heard he told police he accepted responsibility for Mr Shaw's death.

His solicitor, speaking to a police officer connecting Mr McDowell to the murder charge, asked: "Is it right that Mr McDowell accepted responsibility for Mr Shaw's death and made a full and frank admission to everything that happened?"

No bail application

The police officer agreed this was the case.

The solicitor said his client had "expressed at all times remorse and disgust at his own behaviour" and had shown "visible distress".

Image source, PAcemaker
Image caption,

56-year-old Mr Shaw was found dead in a house at Hillmount Gardens in Larne

District Judge Peter King said he had noted the defendant's reply to the charge sheet which was: "I'm sorry for what I did."

There was no bail application and Mr McDowell was remanded in custody until next month.