Liam Christie murder: court told of 'brutal execution'

The accused is Jonathan David Patterson, of Moylinney Park in Antrim, who appeared via a video link.

He is charged with murdering Mr Christie and also faces two charges of possession of a handgun and 9mm ammunition with intent to endanger life.

A police officer told the court she believed she could connect the accused to the charges.

Mr Christie (44), was shot dead in his home at the Ballycraigy estate on Thursday, October 20.

The accused confirmed he understood the charges.

A police officer said it was a "brutal execution while the victim lay in his bed asleep".

She objected to bail and said Mr Christie was found dead in a bedroom.

The officer said the deceased had been living "temporarily" in Ballycraigy in the weeks before his death.

The PSNI officer said a post mortem confirmed Mr Christie had been shot a number of times and it appeared a firearm had been pushed against his jaw, adding that at around 2.30am, residents heard a "loud bang," similar to a firework going off.

The court was told CCTV showed two males in the area.

When interviewed, the accused "denied any involvement".

A defence lawyer said as well as fireworks there had also been a "thunderstorm". He said police could not put the accused at the scene and nothing had been found which linked him to the murder.

District Judge Nigel Broderick refused bail and the defendant was remanded in custody to appear at Antrim Magistrates' Court on November 22.