Kieran McLaughlin pleads not guilty to murder claiming to be victim of ‘media smear campaign’

A 58-year-old man has appeared at Derry Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of 35-year-old Barry McCrory in the city.
Kieran Edward Joseph McLaughlin of 60, Elaghmore Park in Derry was charged with the murder of Barry McCrory on October 10.
When charged McLaughlin replied ‘not guilty this is a media smear campaign.
McLaughlin, dressed in T-shirt and jeans, appeared unshaven, was today also charged with possessing a weapon namely a shotgun with intent to endanger life or property on October 16.
He was flanked by two police officers while in the dock and handcuffed.
McLaughlin spoke briefly when asked to confirm his identity stating ‘I can confirm yes’.
When the charges were put to him he replied that he understood.
A detective constable Derek McLaughlin said he could connect McLaughlin to the charges.
Defence solicitor Mr. Kevin Casey asked the detective could he confirm that there was no terrorist connection. DC McLaughlin confirmed this was so.
There was no application for bail and District Judge Barney McElholm remanded McLaughlin in custody to appear by video link on November 14.
There was a heavy security presence around the court and when McLaughlin was driven in a small crowd of supporters cheered him.
As he was being brought from the court immediately after the hearing McLaughlin gave a thumbs up to them.
There were no incidents.