Two men have been returned for trial in relation to the killing of a man who died in hospital after sustaining multiple stabbing injuries.
Conor Browne (28) was attacked outside a pub in Castlederg during the early hours of Saturday 2 September 2023.
The father-of-one was treated in hospital but died two days later.
While two men were initially charged with murder, the case against one has been reduced to manslaughter.
Appearing for committal hearing by video-link from custody were Adam Acheson (29) from Baron Square Court, Drumquin and Jeffrey Bustard (28) from Drumlegagh Church Road, Newtownstewart.
Acheson is charged with murder and perverting the course of public justice by removing the number plates from a van used in the incident, as well as dangerous driving and assaulting another male.
Bustard is charged with manslaughter and both are accused of affray.
A prosecuting lawyer told Strabane Magistrates Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by District Judge Oonagh Mullan.
The pair were remanded in continuing custody to appear for arraignment at Laganside Crown Court on a date to be fixed next month.
At a previous hearing a detective told a court that a row broke out outside the pub some time after Acheson and Bustard were put out of the premises following an altercation inside.
Mr Browne was stabbed multiple times. He sustained a puncture wound to the chest and upper left-arm; a fractured cheek and eye-socket and a laceration to the neck as well as a head injury.
Although initially conscious on arrival at hospital, he rapidly deteriorated due to severe blood loss from the neck wound.
He was taken for emergency surgery then placed in intensive care but later died.
Both men were originally arrested for attempted murder then released on bail, however after Mr Browne’s death the case escalated to murder leading to their re-arrest.
During interview Bustard said Acheson called to his home and they drank alcohol, then went to the bar where there was an argument, but he didn’t know what it as about.
He knew he was put out of the premises and an altercation occurred but “no weapons or feet” were used.
Bustard saw someone lying on the ground but didn’t know what caused this.
Throughout all interviews Bustard maintained he, “did not stab the victim, had no knife and did not see Acheson with a knife”.
Acheson meanwhile made no comment, with the exception of his final interview when he provided a pre-prepared statement, claiming he was in the bar and Bustard became involved in an argument with an unknown man.
Acheson claimed to have left the bar and remained there hoping to meet up with a woman.
Bustard crossed the street and he followed, and “a melee started with a group of males”.
Acheson claims he was assaulted and felt someone pulling him backwards but isn’t clear on this.
He couldn’t remember the victim bleeding but did recall someone struggling with him.
Acheson has not applied for bail however Bustard did and while this was granted, he has been unable to obtain an alternative address.