Murder victim suffered at least 17 blows to the head

An elderly man who was “brutally beaten to death” at his home in County Armagh was hit in the head at least 17 times, the High Court has heard.

Michael McConville, 74, died after he was found with serious head injuries at his home on Annaghmare Road in Crossmaglen on June 15.

One of his neighbors on Annaghmare Road, Malachy Quinn, 68, is accused of murdering Mr McConville following an alleged dispute over land and farm payments.

Mr Quinn was released on bail after his defense lawyer told the judge there was “not a shred of evidence” linking him to the scene of the murder.

The murder weapon has not yet been found but the court heard the cuts Mr McConville suffered were “appropriate for the use of a weapon such as tongs or a small hammer”.

A prosecution lawyer said the pathologist’s report showed he suffered “at least 17 blows to the head.”

“This can only be described as a very violent attack on an elderly and defenseless gentleman,” he added.

Mr McConville also suffered injuries to his mouth, hands, wrists and arms.

The bail hearing was told Mr Quinn had leased land for cattle from Mr McConville and locals had reported to police the pair had a dispute over land and money.

During the interview, Mr Quinn confirmed Mr McConville kept cattle on his land but denied there was any dispute between them.

According to the prosecution, the bloody towel found in the defendant’s house forms part of the case against the defendant.

Mr Quinn was allegedly seen on CCTV approaching the victim’s home after he was last seen alive.

Objecting to bail, the prosecutor said: “Police believe CCTV, forensic and witness evidence strongly link Mr Quinn to the crime of murder.”

But Mr Quinn’s defense lawyer insisted his client had no motive, adding that he was underweight and suffered from a serious heart condition.

“He is 5ft 6in, weighs just under eight stone and has never been violent in his life,” the barrister said.

“There is not a single piece of evidence connecting this man to the murder scene… he fully cooperated with police and answered every question.”

Mr Quinn was granted bail to an address in Newry but was banned from Crossmaglen.

The judge also granted cash bail of £10,000 as part of the bail conditions.

“We cannot ignore the fact that a 74-year-old man was brutally beaten to death in his own home,” the judge told the court.