Northern Ireland

Man to face trial over double murder of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery in Portadown

Michael and Marjorie Cawdery 
Michael and Marjorie Cawdery  Michael and Marjorie Cawdery 

THE family of an elderly couple killed in their own home have come face to face with the man accused of their murder.

Filling two rows of the public gallery at Craigavon Magistrates Court, the family of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery watched on as 40-year-old Thomas Scott McEntee stood in the dock flanked by two psychiatric nurses.

McEntee, currently residing the the Shannon mental health clinic but who has an address at Moorfield Court in Kilkeel, confirmed he was aware of the nine charges against him.

He is accused of the double murder of Michael and Marjorie Cawdery, both 83, on 26 May last year in their Portadown home.

Previous courts have heard claims that McEntee was armed with a knife when he allegedly broke into the couple's Upper Ramona Park home.

He is alleged to have stolen a cheque book and keys from the house before stealing the couple's car.

As well as two counts of murder, McEntee is also charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated vehicle theft of a Renault Kangoo which was damaged.

On the same date, McEntee is also accused of two counts of theft, stealing a bottle of red wine, a torch and a compass and indecent exposure.

Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy said that having read the papers he was satisfied there was a case to answer.

Remanding McEntee back into custody, he returned the case to Belfast Crown Court.

Thomas Scott at an earlier court hearing
Thomas Scott at an earlier court hearing Thomas Scott at an earlier court hearing