Man charged with murder of Denis Shearer

By Paul Higgins

A Co. Down man was today charged with murder after his alleged victim died. 

Initially 39-year-old Timothy Walker was charged with the attempted murder of Denis Shearer but today at Newtownards Magistrates Court, a prosecuting lawyer asked for the indictment to be amended following the death of the 25-year-old. 

Although Walker did not appear at court today (wed), the father-of-two is now formally charged with the murder of Mr Shearer on 9 March this year. 

Walker, from Abbey Ring in Holywood, is also charged with aggravated burglary, armed with a “blunt instrument,” at a property on the Fernmore Road in Bangor on 28 February this year. 

Mr Shearer died in the RVH and the court heard last week that he is a cousin of Walker’s wife. 

Despite police objections, Walker was granted bail and today (wed) defence solicitor Patrick Higgins said that while the PPS had intended to appeal, they failed to lodge the necessary papers within the time limits. 

Granting continuing bail, District Judge Mark Hamill removed the attempted murder charge and replaced it with murder, adjourning the case to 7 April. 

Pic Alan Lewis