A Bangor man murdered by his cousin’s partner was subjected to a “brutal and sustained attack” as he lay asleep with “no chance to defend himself”, a court has heard.
Denis Curtis Shearer was attacked in the bedroom of his Fernmore Road home in the early hours of February 28, 2021.
The 25-year-old was struck up to nine times in the head with a blunt instrument and passed away in hospital nine days later from his injuries.
Details of the fatal attack emerged during a plea hearing at Belfast Crown Court today.
Timothy Walker (43), whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and originally from Abbey Ring in Holywood, pleaded guilty to a charge of murdering Mr Shearer at a hearing back on March 9, 2021.
He admitted the murder charge last December when he was handed a life sentence by Mr Justice O’Hara.
Walker was back in court today alongside his partner and co-accused Natalie Brannigan (42).
From The Green in Holywood, she admitted a charge of assisting offenders.
Ms Brannigan accepted that on February 28, 2021, knowing Timothy Walker had committed an offence, she did act with intent to impede his apprehension by driving her car to collect him in the Glencairn area of north Belfast after he burned out his car and then drove him to Holywood and onwards to Newtownards.
The couple were told by Mr Justice O’Hara that they will be sentenced for their respective offences next Tuesday, March 11.