Trial delay could lead to release of Derry murder accused

A District Judge in Derry has said that if the prosecution is not ready to proceed with a preliminary enquiry in September against a man charged with murder then he will release him.
Thaddeus McAllister (19) with an address in London but originally from Cable Street in Derry is charged with the murder of piazza delivery man Emmet Shields in June 2008.
Today the prosecution said they wanted to set a date for a PE in ten weeks time.
Defence solicitor Mr. Kevin Casey said he was not a gambling man but if he was he would bet the PE would not go ahead on that date.
District Judge McElholm said all he could do was to set a date for September 5 and if the PE did not go ahead on that date he would refuse to return him for trial and release him.