Dramatic halt to McIlveen murder trial
Thursday, 30 October 2008
THE jury in the trial of murdered Ballymena schoolboy Michael McIlveen has been dramatically dismissed.
Mr Justice Treacy told the jury of eight women and four men on Thursday of last week that they were being discharged from any further involvement in the 27-day trial.
Michael's family, including his mother Gina, were at Antrim Crown Court to hear Justice Treacy tell the jury they were free to go after "certain matters" had arisen.
He said: "As a result of certain matters which have arisen I am going to discharge you from any further involvement in this case therefore you are free to go.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your obvious commitment to this case. You can be discharged for life from further jury service if you so choose."
No other details surrounding the move were given in court and the case has now been adjourned until November 10 when a new jury will be sworn in.
Michael McIlveen, who was 15 years old, died after being attacked in May 2006.
During the trial 20 year old Mervyn Wilson Moon of Douglas Terrace in Ballymena admitted his involvement in the murder and has been remanded back into custody to await sentence at the end of the re-trial.
Those still on trial for murder are Aaron Cavana Wallace (20) of Moat Road, Christopher Francis Kerr (22) of Carnduff Drive, Jeff Colin Lewis (19) of Rossdale, Christopher Andrew McLeister (18) of Knockeen Crescent and a 17 year old youth.
A sixth defendant, Paul Edward David Henson (18) of Condiere Avenue in Kells, denies causing affray and criminal damage.
Henson, McLeister, Wallace and the 17 year old were freed on continuing bail, while Lewis and Kerr were remanded back into custody.
