A 30-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Stephen Brannigan and the attempted murder of a priest in County Down.
Hugh Malone, of no fixed address but from the Belfast area, appeared via videolink from Musgrave police station before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The body of Mr Brannigan, 56, was discovered on Sunday afternoon at a house in Marian Park, Downpatrick. On the same day, Father John Murray was attacked at St Patrick’s Church in the town.
No details of the alleged incidents were disclosed during the brief court hearing. Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Malone confirmed he understood the charges against him. A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective chief inspector told the court she could connect the accused to the offences.
A defence solicitor sought confirmation that Malone had an appropriate adult or intermediary present during police interviews, citing a “significant mental health context” to the case.
No application for bail was made. Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter remanded Malone in custody until 4 September.
Father Murray is recovering in hospital after the attack, which occurred while he was preparing to celebrate his final mass before retirement at St Patrick’s Church. On Tuesday, a service was held in Downpatrick in support of Mr Brannigan’s family and for Father Murray.
In a statement, Mr Brannigan’s family described him as a “beloved father and grandfather.”
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