Violence in court as youth charged with murder

A 16-year-old youth accused of stabbing to death another teenager today lunged at a magistrate and screamed obscenities as violence erupted in a courtroom.

Four police officers were needed to pull the accused away when he lashed out in a bid to break free and get to the bench.

The teenager, who cannot be named, was appearing on a charge of murdering 18-year-old Brendan McCabe.

Two other teenagers also appeared on charges of assisting the accused.

Mr McCabe was knifed to death in front of his mother in a busy Co Down town centre street in broad daylight on Thursday.

But as Magistrate Paul Copeland remanded the accused in custody ugly scenes briefly broke out at the court in Banbridge, Co Down.

‘‘What does that mean?’’ screamed the 16-year-old student before making a dive for Mr Copeland.

Police rushed to the dock amid frantic efforts to restore order as the accused kicked out in an attempt to topple the dock where he had been sitting.

The officers eventually managed to restrain him as he hurled insults and tried in vain to get at the magistrate.

Brendan ‘‘Patch’’ McCabe was nursed in his mother’s arms after being stabbed in Canal Street, Newry on Thursday.

The violent scenes today came after the court heard that the accused, when charged, told police: ‘‘I never meant to hurt him.’’

Another 16-year-old youth faced charges of giving false information to detectives investigating the murder.

A 17-year-old girl was also accused of giving false information and of disposing of a murder weapon.

The judge issued an order preventing her from being named to protect the identity of the two 16 year olds.

Detectives told the court both of those charged with assisting an offender made no reply when charges were put to them.

Officers said they believed they could connect them with the offences.

The 16-year-old youths were remanded in a young offenders’ centre while the girl has been taken to the youth wing of Maghaberry prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim.

All three are due to appear again at Newry courthouse on March 6.