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Man appears in court charged with murder of Ellie Flanagan

Elaine MitchellSouth west reporter, BBC News NI
News imageBBC A woman with glasses and wearing a tiara smiles to the camera. She is sitting outside.BBC
Ellie Flanagan, 23, was found at a house in Enniskillen on Saturday night

A man has appeared in court via video link charged with the murder of Ellie Flanagan in County Fermanagh.

The 23-year-old's body was found at a house in Enniskillen on 7 March by police carrying out enquiries into a car crash eight miles away in the village of Tempo.

Officers went to the house that the car was registered to where they discovered Ellie's body.

Martin McCarney, 45, from Enniskillen has been charged with murder, and possession of an offensive weapon (three knives) with intent to commit an indictable offence namely murder.

News imageSocial media A man in close up looking into the camera, He is wearing a grey vest and his bare shoulders are apparent, a tattoo with a spiral pattern is visible on his left arm. He is wearing glasses and appears to have closely shaved hair. He is inside, the background is a blue wall and a clock is partially visible. Social media
Martin McCarney's lawyer made an apology to the court on the defendant's behalf

Det Sgt Pauline Boyce told the court that she could connect McCarney to the charges.

He said he understood the charges against him.

McCarney's counsel told the court that no bail application would be made saying that "no issues would be dealt with today that would be for the trial".

He also made an apology on behalf of McCarney.

"The defendant is very conscious there is ongoing preparation for a funeral today and tomorrow and he wanted to say that he is truly and genuinely sorry for the pain and suffering caused to the immediate family and community of Enniskillen as a result of the events of the past week."

McCarney was remanded in custody to appear back at Enniskillen Magistrates court on Monday 30 March via video link.