UK - William Pat McCormick, 55, murdered, Comber, 30 May 2019 *arrests*

[HayLouise]

Continued:

David Gill (26) from Ballyglighorn Road in Comber was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to murdering the 55-year-old on May 30.

The detective inspector told Judge Rosalie Prytherch that Gill previously responded to the charge saying, "I'm not guilty, I'm completely innocent" before he was taken away.

Gill, who appeared in the dock wearing glasses, grey sweatpants and a T-shirt, spoke only to deny the charge.

No application for bail was made.

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

His fiancee Lesley-Ann Dodds from Mountcollyer Avenue in Belfast was led into the dock just a few moments later wearing a grey jumper.

The 21-year-old, who is accused of perverting the course of justice and aiding and abetting murder, was denied bail despite police confirming she was not "physically" involved in murdering the UDR and RIR veteran or in the removal of his body.

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

However, the court was told that a series of phone calls and text messages were exchanged between both of the accused and Mr McCormick before he disappeared.

It was "as a result of a phone call" from Dodds that Mr McCormick made his way to Comber to meet her in a flat in the Castle Street area, the court heard.

One of the phone calls was made just a few moments before he entered the property.

CCTV footage shows Gill, who had been in possession of his fiancee's phone, entering the block of flats before leaving two-and-a-half hours later, but Mr McCormick was never seen alive again.

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

The detective in the case said Mr McCormick had expressed fears about the arranged meeting inside the property.

"He had been anxious about attending that address and feared he was being set up," she said.

The policewoman strongly objected to Dodds being granted bail due to the likelihood she might attempt to flee from the potentially "lengthy custodial sentence" she is now facing.

Despite being unemployed and on benefits, the court was told that the accused poses a "significant" flight risk and that computer data revealed she was searching for cheap holidays in the immediate aftermath of Mr McCormick's murder.

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

Dodds was also in breach of existing police bail conditions when she was arrested alongside Gill in his flat on Thursday.

The detective inspector also revealed that the couple were subject to a threat issued on June 5.

"That was pre-charge, so it may or may not have heightened, but it still exists," she added.

In addition to this the investigator outlined "serious concerns" that the accused will interfere with witnesses whose identities are known to her.

"Many have expressed concerns," she added. "One witness has already been granted anonymity, which shows the seriousness of the fear.

"Many residents have expressed a reluctance about giving evidence."

The policewoman also revealed that Dodds has suffered mental health problems since the murder and is considered to be at risk of self-harming.

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

The lawyer for the accused argued that his "vulnerable" client does not have the means to leave the jurisdiction and poses no threat to witnesses.

He said she had never been in any trouble with the law before and added that she was willing to live with her father, who had offered to provide surety.

The defence solicitor also said his client had only been in Gill's flat on July 11 to pick up items of clothing and other belongings.

However, Judge Prytherch ultimately denied the bail application.

"You have the right to appeal in the High Court but I am remanding you in custody today," she told Dodds.

Relatives of the deceased celebrated in the public gallery with a cheer before being asked to remain silent.

Dodds then smiled at her lawyer before being led out of the dock in handcuffs.

Both defendants will reappear in the same court via video-link on August 2

Murder victim Pat McCormick feared he was being set up before going to meeting in flat, court told - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[HayLouise]

12th July 2019:



Lesley Anne Dodds and David Gill (behind the grill) arriving at Newtownards Courthouse on Friday

Couple appear in court facing charges linked to Pat McCormick death

 

[HayLouise]

12th July 2019:



David Gill in the cell in the back of the van arrives at Newtownards Magistrates court where he appeared with Lesley Anne Dodds

Tragic dad Pat McCormick feared he was being 'set up' on last night seen alive

 

[HayLouise]

17 July 2019:


Pat McCormick: Veterans plan a good send off for murdered colleague

A large turnout of military veterans is expected in Newtownards today for the funeral of murdered former UDR and Royal Irish soldier Pat McCormick.

Ahead of the 1pm funeral service at Strean Presbyterian Church, former colleagues of Mr McCormick said the veterans’ community would be keen to pay their respects.

One ex-soldier who served with Mr McCormick said the former lance corporal had the “biggest, kindest heart”.

Pat McCormick: Veterans plan a good send off for murdered colleague

 

[mrz]

Great coverage of this case HayLouise. Could tell this one meant a lot to you, and I hope for the very best outcome possible for Pats family! Please keep us posted on future news.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Yes, thank you @HayLouise

 

[HayLouise]

18 July 2019:


Memories of love will live forever says daughter of murder victim Pat McCormick at funeral

The teenage daughter of murder victim William 'Pat' McCormick told mourners at his funeral that her "memories of love" will live forever as she paid an emotional tribute to her father.

His daughter Morgan (14) told hundreds of mourners that she wants everyone to know "what a wonderful husband, father and son" Pat was.

"My daddy was a wonderful, fun, loving, very kind and a caring person," she added.

"He was always cracking jokes with us and always supportive whenever we needed him.

"He was always cracking jokes with us and always supportive whenever we needed him.

"He was Superglued to his children and on more than one occasion would travel to pick (her brother) Myles up at 2am."

She told the congregation how her mum Alison met her dad 25 years ago while they both served in the R Irish, and the couple married in August 1998.

"My dad loved us all so much and would do anything for his family," she added.

"He was an absolutely wonderful father... who worked so hard so he and mummy could provide us with the wonderful life that we had - things are going to change now but our memories will live on.

"Memories of love, laughter and happiness will never die."

Memories of love will live forever says daughter of murder victim Pat McCormick at funeral - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Funeral? Have I missed something? Have they found him?

 

[Mind your biscuits]

Funeral? Have I missed something? Have they found him?

Yes they found him in the lake.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Yes they found him in the lake.

Oh wow, I have NO idea how I missed that. RIP Pat.

 

[mrz]

His daughter Morgan (14) told hundreds of mourners that she wants everyone to know "what a wonderful husband, father and son" Pat was.

So brave! Even after the fact. obviously a little girl raised right!!!

 

[mrz]

I just want to know why! What the hell ?

 

[HayLouise]

Some tweets I missed:


Daughter of murder victim Pat McCormick tells mourners at funeral ‘memories of love’ will live forever

https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2019-07-17/daughter-of-murder-victim-says-memories-of-love-will-live-forever/

UTV Live News on Twitter

A guard of honour as Pat McCormick’s coffin leaves the church followed by his wife and four children @UTVNews

(Video)

Jane Loughrey on Twitter


Funeral cortège lead by Pat McCormick’s family makes its way to Movilla Cemetery, where they’ll say their final goodbyes.

(Video)

Q Radio News on Twitter


Large crowds have gathered and filled the streets outside Strean Presbyterian Church, before Pat McCormick’s family bring him to Movilla Cemetery where he will be laid to rest.

(Video)

Q Radio News on Twitter


UDR and Royal Irish Regiment form a guard of honour as Pat McCormick’s coffin is carried from the church, followed by his family.

(Video)

Q Radio News on Twitter

 

[HayLouise]

Pat McCormick’s 14 year old daughter Morgan tells mourners at his funeral in Newtownards that he was “a wonderful, fun loving dad” to his four children who will be missed so much but she says “their memories of love, laughter and happiness will never die”@UTVNews



Jane Loughrey on Twitter


Service of Thanksgiving due to commence for Pat McCormick.



Q Radio News on Twitter

Pat McCormick’s coffin is cloaked with a Royal Irish Regiment flag. The sound of bagpipes lead him to Strean Presbyterian Church, where he was caretaker for 10 years.

(Video)

Q Radio News on Twitter

To the sound of a lone piper Pat McCormick’s coffin enters Strean Presbyterian Church in Newtownards...the church where he worked as a caretaker for over 10 years @UTVNews @utv



Jane Loughrey on Twitter


The funeral of County Down father-of-four and murder victim Pat McCormick is due to get underway at Strean Presbyterian Church in Newtownards at 1pm.



Q Radio News on Twitter

 

[Legally Bland]

From yesterday:
______________

Asked what allegedly connects Ms Dodds to the killing, the prosecutor said: "Police believe messages between the applicant and the injured party asking him to go to her flat, rather than her being present."

Opposing Ms Dodds' bail application, the prosecution expressed fears she may attempt to flee.

A defence lawyer argued there is no evidence that Ms Dodds was physically involved in either Mr McCormick's killing or the disposal of his body.

The lawyer said his client denies being in possession of her mobile at the time the texts were sent.

"Who's to say the person who murdered Mr McCormick isn't sending messages from her phone," he added.

Granting bail to Ms Dodds, the judge banned her from entering Comber, Newtownards and a number of surrounding areas.

Woman 'lured murder victim to apartment'