Two men have appeared in court in relation to the murder of a Dungannon pensioner who sustained serious injuries following an assault.
Adam Krzan, who was 71, was discovered at his home in Corrainey Park, Dungannon, on February 27.
Emergency services attended; however, he passed away at the scene.
Four people were arrested in the days afterwards; however, all were released on bail pending further enquiries.
On the morning of April 3, two searches were carried out in the Dungannon area, during which a number of items, including a vehicle, were seized.
Following this, two men were arrested and later charged, appearing separately before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court.
Ryan Patrick Martin Kerr (33), from Derrylattinee Road, Dungannon, is charged with murdering Mr Krzan, as well as robbing him of money.
It is further alleged that he was equipped for burglary by having a knife.
He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, Michael John Ennis (34), from Cloneen, Dungannon, also appeared and is charged with perverting the course of justice, assisting an offender, and withholding information.
A detective constable informed the court that both charges could be connected.
She explained that at 20.03pm, police received a call in relation to an incident at the victim’s home and, “met with a very disturbing scene with a large volume of blood.”
Mr Krzan had been stabbed three times to the chest and twice to the neck.
When initially spoken to, Kerr stated he knew Ennis, but Ennis denied this.
“It is our belief that information is false,” said the detective.
Ennis denied being in the area on the day in question, which police say, “was untrue and misleading. There is much CCTV, and we believe Ennis was at the scene to convey Kerr from the scene. There was quite a lot of contact with Kerr prior to and after the incident.”
The court heard that Ennis denied any knowledge of Kerr but, while in custody, commented: “He’s known locally as RPK and any time I would be in contact with him is for gay sex.”
CCTV footage was also found of Ennis’ car outside Kerr’s home after the murder, but when shown this, he made no comment.
Objecting to bail, the detective said: “This is a large and complex investigation with much still to be done. The status of all persons connected to this investigation is being reviewed daily. We believe they are all known to Ennis. He has strong links outside the jurisdiction and was attempting to leave the country, having booked a flight to Tenerife the day before his arrest.”
She continued: “There are also numerous items still to be recovered. We believe that if the defendant were released, this could be interfered with. There is also a risk of witness interference and flight.”
Under defence cross-examination, the detective confirmed that Ennis would be considered vulnerable, with significant mental and physical issues.
She also confirmed that the car caught on CCTV outside Kerr’s home, which police believe to belong to Ennis, is a mobility vehicle.
The defence suggested he could be released to reside with his parents, who had travelled to court, at their home in County Kildare, but the detective rejected this, as bail conditions could not be appropriately monitored.
District Judge Francis Rafferty enquired if Ennis is employed, and when told he isn’t, asked: “Who was paying for the holiday to Tenerife?”
The defence replied: “He had a recent windfall. His partner won £7,000 on an online casino.”
He added that bail could be granted with stringent conditions, including a significant cash surety put forward by Ennis’ parents.
However, Judge Rafferty refused, stating: “I do not find the defendant to be a suitable candidate for bail.”
Both men will appear again by video link on May 2.
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