Pat McCormick: Couple plead not guilty to murder of man whose body was found in lake belfastlive.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from belfastlive.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Pair to stand trial accused of Pat McCormick murder Pat McCormick 12 May, 2021 14:35
Underwater searches were conducted by a specialist team in the search for missing Pat McCormick. Picture by Mal McCann.
A 28-year-old man and his girlfriend have been ordered to stand trial accused of murder.
While David Gill appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court by videolink from prison Lesley Ann Dodds (22) appeared in person for the Preliminary Enquiry, the legal step necessary to elevate any case to the Crown Court.
The pair are jointly charged with the murder of William ‘Pat’ McCormick whose body was found in a lake in Ballygowan in July 2019, more than a month after he disappeared on May 30.
Victim: William ‘Pat’ McCormick’s body was dumped in a lough in Ballygowan
Asking for Dodds to be readmitted to bail, her solicitor said that her grandmother was willing to allow her to stay at her home in north Belfast and would provide a £750 cash surety.
He added this was the first breach of bail since it was granted by the High Court in July 2019.
District Judge George Conner agreed to release Dodds on bail and adjourned the case to Newtownards Magistrates Court on March 10.
Dodds and her partner, David Gill (28), are charged with the murder of Mr McCormick, while four men are accused of withholding information in the case.