Bloody Sunday, election, Irish, Ireland, British, Ulster, Unionist, Sinn Féin, SDLP, Ahern, Blair, Irish America

(by Suzanne Breen, Sunday Tribune)

The trial of the man charged with the murder of Robert McCartney could open in the autumn.

The murdered Short Strand man's sister Paula said the family had heard unofficial reports that the trial could begin in September but that police had told them they would be informed of the exact date later this month.

Paula McCartney said the family had been "living in limbo" since Robert was murdered 17 months ago. "We are very anxious to secure a trial date. It's now a year since two men were charged in connection with events at Magenniss's bar and we are hoping for some progress."

McCartney, 33, was beaten and fatally stabbed outside the Belfast pub on the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Terence Davison, 50, has been charged with his murder.

Jim McCormick, 37, has been charged with the attempted murder of McCartney's friend, Brendan Devine. Both men are pleading not guilty.

"It has been a very hard time for our family. We have been waiting for so long to hear news. Robert's murder trial will, of course, be emotional for us but it is vital that justice is done," Paula McCartney said.

This article appeared in the June 4, 2006 edition of the Sunday Tribune.

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