Murder victim Brian Phelan

THERE was uproar in court today as a 27-year-old man was remanded in custody charged with the murder of Brian Phelan.

Daniel Carroll, of Edward Street in Portadown, confirmed he understood the charge when it was put to him by the clerk of the court.

There were angry scenes at Newry Magistrates’ Courtas the accused was driven into the court in an armoured police vehicle.

During the court hearing, a woman threw herself at the dock in a bid to attack the accused

But she was held back by police who had been on hand as tensions were running high over the brutal murder.

District Judge Eamonn King threatened to clear the court if there were any further interruptions.

“Out of respect for the deceased’s partner, for the deceased’s children, these proceedings will be conducted in a dignified manner,” he said.

A detective constable told the court she could connect the accused to the charge.

There was no application for bail.

Some of those in the public gallery hurled abuse at Mr Carroll as he was led from the dock to be taken to the remand unit at Maghaberry prison for assessment.

Mr Phelan was attacked on the Carrivekeeney Road between Bessbrook and Newry on Thursday.

The father of a young boy and a girl died at the scene.

His family say they are “heartbroken” over his savage and senseless death.