Duo face extradition over NI double murder

Two men wanted in Northern Ireland in connection with a double murder six years ago have consented to their extradition this morning before the High Court.

Brothers Niall (aged 37) and Martin Smith (aged 40) were arrested by gardaí at addresses in Balbriggan and Dundalk last Wednesday, December 12, on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

The charge on the warrant relates to arson and the murder of Thomas O'Hare (aged 33) and Lisa McClatchey (aged 21), who both died from their injuries after a gang of up to six men broke into their home on Foley Road Keady, Co Armagh, on the evening of November 6, 2006.

The couple were assaulted with hammers before petrol was poured over them and set alight.

At the previous court hearing Detective Sergeant Martin O’Neill said Martin Smith shook his head when asked if he knew anything about the two counts of murder and one count of arson outlined on the warrant.

He said that when asked if he had any identifying marks of the sort detailed on the warrant, Martin Smith admitted that he had numerous scars and burns.

Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan related details of the arrest of Niall Smith at Moylaragh Avenue, Balbriggan, Co Dublin and told prosecution counsel Mr Ronan Kennedy, BL, that Niall Smith said his place of birth was Craigavon and agreed that he had previously resided at Mourne View, Mowhan, Co Armagh.

He said that when asked if he knew anything about the double murder, Niall Smith replied: “I don’t want to say anything about that to gardai until I speak to my solicitor”.

Mr Justice John Edwards said the court was satisfied the warrants were order and remanded Niall and Martin Smith in custody to Cloverhill Prison. Both men will be sent back to Northern Ireland after ten days time to face trial.