Man charged with two North murders
Friday, 11 November 2005 13:56A 25-year-old man appeared in court in Armagh today, charged for the second time with the murders of two teenagers five years ago.
Steven Leslie Brown was remanded in custody at Armagh Magistrates Court charged with the murders of Andrew Robb, 19, and David McIlwaine, 18, in February 2000.
The teenagers were stabbed to death after leaving a nightclub at Tandragee in the county and being abducted by a number of men.
Their bodies were dumped at the side of a country road. They had been repeatedly stabbed and had their throats cut.
Brown, of Castle Place, Castlecaufield, County Tyrone, was charged with the murders soon afterwards. However, the charges were withdrawn and the case never went to trial.
He appeared in court today dressed in a Chelsea football top, and surrounded by armed police. He spoke only to confirm his name.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Hanley told the court that when he charged Brown last night, he replied: 'Not guilty to each charge'.
However, Chief Inspector Hanley told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.
Brown was remanded in custody until 6 December to reappear at the same court by video link.
