28/09/2010

RUC Murder Accused Bailed

A charge of murdering a part-time RUC constable 29 years ago has been put to a Co Londonderry man today.

Seamus Martin Kearney, 54, of Gorteade Road, Swatragh, was arrested on Monday and was in Londonderry Magistrates Court today where details of DNA tests carried out on a cigarette butt found among 13 bullet shells at the scene of the murder in September 1981 were given.

Mr Kearney, who also faces a charge of possession of a firearm, an Armalite AR 15, with intent to endanger life, was granted bail after he denied the charges.

RUC Reserve Constable John Proctor, 25, was shot dead in Magherafelt in September 1981 in a hospital car park when he was visiting his wife and new son in the Mid-Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt. See: RUC Shooting Arrest As Sacrifice Recalled

(BMcC/GK)

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