Liam Christie murder: Man denies killing man shot eight times in bed

Image source, PSNI

Image caption, Liam Christie died after he was shot at close range, police said

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a father-of-three who was shot eight times as he slept.

Jonathan David Patterson of Killowen Grange in Lisburn appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

The 44-year-old is charged with murdering Liam Christie, and also denies possessing a handgun and a quantity of ammunition.

Mr Christie, 43, was killed in his home in the Craighill area of Antrim in October 2022.

Co-accused Henry Charles Hayles, 59, of Kansas Avenue in Belfast was not arraigned on the same two charges as Mr Patterson due to a legal issue.

Another co-accused, 45-year-old Paul Arthur Armstrong of Islandreagh Drive in Dunadry was not arraigned on medical grounds.

A defence barrister said Mr Armstrong - who appeared in court using a walking aid - had suffered a severe stroke in prison in March.

Mr Justice O'Hara said he would review the case after the Easter recess.