Inquest into death of man who killed his partner expected to be heard this year

By Rebecca Black, PA

An inquest into the death of a Co Londonderry man convicted of killing his ex-partner is expected to be held later this year.

Fred McClenaghan, 57, died at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on October 21 2018 after falling ill at Magilligan Prison.

A preliminary hearing at Belfast Coroner’s Court included discussions over a potential date for the inquest in the spring/early summer.

It is expected to last for one week.

No date was agreed between legal representatives on Thursday due to other commitments, including to a number of legacy inquests, however discussions are set to continue.

Coroner Paddy McGurgan said the new Nightingale court facilities at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Belfast may be a possible venue for the inquest which will be heard by a jury.

The first inquest hearing took place at the venue earlier this week.

“We have to sit with a jury in this inquest and therefore the current pandemic is posing some problems in terms of space availability,” he said.

Mr McGurgan said the ICC may be an option to progress the matter.

McClenaghan was jailed in 2017 for the murder of Marion Millican, 51, at a laundrette in Portstewart in March 2011.

Another preliminary hearing will take place on Thursday March 11.