Date set for McIlveen murder trial

Two Ballymena men have appeared in court accused of the sectarian murder of teenager Michael McIlveen, who was beaten to death seven years ago.

Christopher Francis Kerr, 26, and 24-year-old Aaron Cavana Wallace both pleaded not guilty to murdering the schoolboy in May 2006.

The 15-year-old victim, known as Mickey Bo, died the day after he and two friends were chased and attacked by a group of youths in an alleyway in Ballymena.

He suffered fatal brain injuries during the brutal beating.

On Friday, Judge Mr Justice Weir told lawyers for the prosecution and defence that the trial will begin on 8 April and is expected to last for at least four weeks.

Kerr, from Moat Road, was remanded back into custody while Wallace, from Carnduff Drive, was released on continuing bail.

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