Man charged with murder and attempted murder in Downpatrick
The body of Stephen Brannigan, who was aged 56, was found in a house in Marian Park in Downpatrick on Sunday afternoon.
On the same day, Father John Murray was attacked at St Patrick's Church in the Co Down town.
Detectives investigating the murder of Mr Brannigan and the assault on Fr Murray announced on Tuesday evening that they had charged a man to court.
The man, aged 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
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Lebanese prosecutors appeal against sentences for private Seán Rooney murder
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Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Terrorist who killed Private Sean Rooney believed to be hiding out in Iran
The terrorist who killed Private Sean Rooney is believed to be hiding out in Iran. Hezbollah fighter Mohammed Ayyad has not been seen in more than a year, but Government and diplomat sources suspect he has fled Lebanon for Iran. The runaway killer was sentenced to death on July 28 last by a Military Tribunal for the murder of the 23-year-old hero Dundalk soldier. But he was not in court for the conviction and the Lebanese authorities gave no indication where he was. Ayyad was initially released on bail over a year ago on medical grounds. But yesterday, the Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O'Murchu said nobody seems to know what his medical condition was. He said: 'This guy seems to have vanished and nobody knows where he is.' Private Sean Rooney. (Image: Family Handout/PA Wire) But Government insiders believe Ayyad has fled to Iran – the country which bankrolls the Hezbellah organisation in South Lebanon where Sean perished. One source said: 'We suspect he is in Iran and it is unlikely anyone will hand him over to face a death penalty. 'It is not a satisfactory situation but all we can do is keep the pressure on and see if we can get justice for Sean and his family.' Ayyad was among a gang of men who opened fire on the UN peacekeepers convoy on December 14, 2022 in the village of Al-Aqbiya as they made their way to Beirut Airport. Sean lost his life, while three other Irish soldiers – Private Shane Kearney, Corporal Joshua Phelan and Private Nathan Byra – were injured. The other Lebanese gunmen involved in the unprovoked attack got far lighter sentences. One got three months' jail, another a one month jail sentence, another was fined the equivalent of about 1800 and a fourth was acquitted. These are now being appealed by the Beirut Government following pressure from Ireland and Sean's devastated family. Undated family handout photo of Private Sean Rooney (Image: Family Handout/PA Wire) Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Sean's mother Natasha held a private meeting to discuss the case during the week. Mr Harris said: 'The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case.. We have raised the issue with the UN, and the Lebanese authorities. 'This is a difficult time for his family and the 121th Infantry Battalion.' The Lebanese authorities have not executed any prisoners in more than 20 years so the Irish Government is pushing for the killer to be found and to serve a life in prison instead. The Taoiseach Micheal Martin, after the court verdict, said: 'Sean was a soldier of great courage who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty. He was brave and diligent. 'Peacekeeping is the most noble cause and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected.' The funeral of Irish UN peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney at Holy Family Church Dundalk on 22 December 2022. His coffin is dressed in the national colours with a folded United Nations flag and a blue beret. (Image: Colin Keegan / Collins Photos) The Irish Coroner's Inquest into Sean Rooney's death has been postponed and no new date confirmed. Defence Minister Harris revealed in a reply to Deputy O'Murchu that the coroner has received a response from the UN to her request that they should be an interested party at the Inquest and grant access to a number of UN reports. Mr Harris also said that an independent review into the murder by Mr Michael Delaney SC is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques , processes, and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are lessons to be learned for the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney's death. Mr Delaney nis expected to report with Mr Harris in the autumn. Deputy Ruairi O'Murchu said Sean's killer should never be freed from prison, and now worries if he will ever be located. He said: 'He was let out on so-called medical grounds before the Irish Government was even told. 'Nobody really knows what these medical issues are. He should never have gotten out of jail.' The funeral of Irish UN peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney at Holy Family Church Dundalk on 22 December 2022. His coffin is dressed in the national colours with a folded United Nations flag and a blue beret. (Image: Colin Keegan / Collins Photos) 'A promise has been given they would do everything in their power to find Ayadd. That has to happen. 'Everyone welcomes the fact that it is being appealed but we need to see swift action. The family needs to be provided with all the information and Mr Delaney's investigation must be published as soon as possible.' In a letter sent by Simon Harris to Deputy O'Murchu yesterday, the Defence Minister said: 'I share your concerns on the outcome of these proceedings which do not, in my view, reflect the seriousness of the crime committed against Private Rooney and his colleagues. 'I was extremely disappointed with the non-appearance of the main defendant and unless he is brought into custody, the sentence is irrelevant. I am also very disappointed with the leniency shown to the other six. 'I will do everything possible to assist them to find justice for Sean's murder and for the injuries inflicted on his colleagues. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Sunday World
18 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man who killed Irish soldier Seán Rooney believed to be on the run in Iran
The runaway killer fled Lebannon and is said to be hiding in Iran. The man who killed Private Sean Rooney is believed to be hiding out in Iran, according to sources. Hezbollah fighter Mohammed Ayyad has not been seen in over a year but Government and diplomat sources suspect he has fled Lebanon for Iran. The runaway killer was sentenced to death a few weeks ago on July 28 last by a military tribunal for the murder of the 23-year-old Dundalk soldier. But he wasn't in court for the conviction and the Lebanese authorities gave no indication where he was. Ayyad was initially released on bail over a year ago on medical grounds. But yesterday the Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O'Murchu said it is unclear what his medical condition was. rooney News in 90 Seconds - August 16th He said: 'This guy seems to have vanished and nobody knows where he is." But Government insiders believe Ayyad has fled to Iran - the country which bankrolls the Hezbellah organisation in south Lebanon where Sean perished. One source said: 'We suspect he is in Iran and it is unlikely anyone will hand him over to face a death penalty. It is not a satisfactory situation but all we can do is keep the pressure on and see if we can get justice for Sean and his family." Ayyad was among a gang of men who opened fire on the UN peacekeepers convoy on December 14, 2022 in the village of Al-Aqbiya as they made their way to Beirut Airport. Sean lost his life while three other Irish soldiers, Private Shane Kearney, Corporal Joshua Phelan, and Private Nathan Byra were injured. The other Lebanese gunmen involved in the unprovoked attack got far lighter sentences. One got three months jail, another a one month jail sentence, another was fined the equivalent of appoximately €1800 and a fourth was acquitted. These are now being appealed by the Beirut government following pressure from Ireland and Sean's devastated family. The Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Sean's mother Natasha held a private meeting to discuss the case during the week. Mr Harris said: " The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case.. We have raised the issue with the UN, and the Lebanese authorities . This is a difficult time for his family and the 121th Infantry Battalion." The Lebanese authorities have not executed any prisoners in over 20 years so the Irish Government is pushing for the killer to be found to serve a life in prison instead. The Taoiseach Micheal Martin after the court verdict said: 'Sean was a soldier of great courage who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty. He was brave and diligent. "Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected." The Irish Coroner's Inquest into Sean Rooney's death has been postponed and no new date confirmed. Defence Minister Harris revealed in a reply to Deputy O'Murchu that the Coroner has received a response from the United Nations to her request that they should be an interested party at the Inquest and grant access to a number of UN reports. Details of the UN response have not been released publicly. Mr Harris also said that an independent review into the murder by Mr Michael Delaney SC is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques , processes, and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are lessons to be learned for the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney's death. Mr Delaney nis expected to report with Mr Harris in the autumn.
RTÉ News
20 hours ago
- RTÉ News
PSNI warns protesters over Palestine Action support
Police have warned protesters carrying placards or wearing clothing showing support for Palestine Action at demonstrations in Northern Ireland that they may be committing an offence. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally urged anyone taking part in protests this weekend in the region to ensure they act within the law. Last weekend, a 74-year-old woman was arrested for wearing a Palestine Action T-shirt in Belfast at an anti-racism rally. Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK Government in July, with the ban meaning that membership of, or support for, the group is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. More than 500 people were arrested last weekend on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed group as demonstrations took place in central London. Mr McNally said: "The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights. "They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest. "However, these rights are limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime." The senior officer said the PSNI would facilitate "lawful, peaceful protest". He added: "We will be in attendance at several protests this weekend to ensure the safety of everyone present. "If we identify potential criminal offences or unacceptable impact on the rights of others, we will take lawful and proportionate action. "If an offence is suspected we will record evidence eg by way of handheld or vehicle mounted-cameras and where possible warn persons suspected of committing an offence. "We may arrest and detain anyone suspected of committing an offence. Ultimately, the decision on whether to prosecute will rest with the Public Prosecution Service." Mr McNally pointed out that Palestine Action is proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000. He said: "This has no impact on other groups' or individuals' right to protest about Gaza, but anyone showing support for Palestine Action, including with placards or messages on clothing, may be committing an offence. "I would urge everyone to consider the seriousness of a prosecution under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications this could have on their future." The 74-year-old woman arrested in Belfast last weekend was later released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service. She had been wearing a T-shirt which said "We are all Palestine Action". Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to "uphold people's right to protest against the genocide being perpetrated in Gaza". Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: "The police must be clear that they have obligations under the Human Rights Act and international law to facilitate the right to peaceful protest. "Carrying out arrests for peaceful expression on this issue would be a violation of international human rights law. "Instead of criminalising peaceful demonstrators, the UK Government should be focusing on taking immediate action to put a stop to Israel's genocide."
