Limavady murder accused refused compassionate leave to visit sister and newborn niece

A man charged with the murder of Limavady teenager Blake Newland has been denied permission to visit his sister and newborn niece.

Stephen McGlinchey was seeking temporary release from Maghaberry Prison to visit his sister and her newborn baby in Larne this Saturday (November 30).

McGlinchey, of Ballyhanedin Road, Claudy, is jointly accused, along with his brother Andrew and father Michael, of the murder of 17 year-old Blake Newland in Limavady earlier this year.

The teenager died after he was stabbed a number of times during an incident at Woodland Walk on February 2.

McGlinchey (28), had been released on bail during the summer however he is now back in Maghaberry Prison, from where he appeared via video-link for this morning's compassionate leave application.

Neil Moore, barrister for McGlinchey, told Limavady Magistrates Court that the accused wanted to visit his sister and her newborn daughter on November 30 at her home in Larne.

He said that McGlinchey's father had agreed to pick him up at the prison at 1pm and drive him to Larne before returning at 4pm.

District Judge Peter King said it was the first time that he had been asked to approve a compassionate leave application for what police have described as a 'baby shower'.

Refusing the application, Judge King said: “This is not a compassionate leave application I would consider granting for this type of event.”

The case was adjourned for update on December 4.