A Moy man accused of perverting the course of justice in the Charlotte Murray murder investigation has been returned for trial.
Brian Ernest Barnard, of Currans Brae, faces three counts of making false statements to police on a number of occasions during the investigation.
Proceedings had been delayed awaiting the outcome of appeal proceedings launched by the man convicted of murdering Charlotte as Barnard’s defence felt this “may impact on my client”.
In October 2019, a jury at Dungannon Crown Court unanimously found Charlotte’s former partner John Patrick Miller guilty of her murder.
The Court of Appeal hearing took place earlier this month where Dame Siobhan Keegan dismissed all aspects and upheld the conviction.
Today (Friday) Barnard appeared for a committal hearing charged with intending to pervert the course of justice by making false statements on July 11, 2013, January 13, 2018 and June 26, 2018.
A prosecuting lawyer told Dungannon Magistrates’ Court there is a case to answer which was agreed by Deputy District Judge Liam McStay.
Barnard spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges.
He declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage.
Judge McStay remanded Barnard on bail of £500 to appear for arraignment before Dungannon Crown Court on January 23.
Last seen alive in 2012, Charlotte was later reported missing and enquiries led police to escalate this to a murder investigation.
Despite exhaustive searches her body has never been found.
When convicted Miller, previously of Redford Park, Dungannon gasped in disbelief as the verdict was read out.
Throughout cross-examination he denied killing Charlotte (34) on a date between October 30 and November 1, 2012.
She disappeared from the house they shared in Moy, leaving behind her dog Bella, and a Peugeot car which he later sold.
He maintained Charlotte was still alive, that he never killed her, and he hoped she would someday “walk in the door and say sorry for all this”.
After four weeks of evidence the jury took just over three hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict of murder.
Members of both families were seated in the public gallery having attended every day of the trial.
Charlotte’s mother and twin sister wept silently and were comforted by family and friends, while others briefly broke out in applause.
Miller’s parents and sister appeared stunned.
Miller, visibly shaking and crying, was told by the judge: “You have been found guilty of murder and the only sentence is life imprisonment. You will be remanded in custody.”
He was handcuffed and taken to the cells, looking briefly toward family members as he passed them.
The same day, it emerged police had decided to drain a flooded quarry in Benburb in the hope of finding Charlotte’s remains.
While this operation went ahead and lasted a number of days, nothing was found.
Charlotte’s grieving family have consistently called on Miller to “do the right thing” and tell them what became of her body so they can lay her to rest.
At a later tariff hearing Miller was told he will spend 16 years in prison before he is eligible for release.
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