A MAN HAS appeared in court in Newry, Co Down, today charged with the murder of his son.

32-year-old Kevin Fletcher was fatally stabbed in what was described as a “frenzied attack” at his flat at Castle Street, Armagh, on 3 September.

The man’s father, also named Kevin, of Drumarg Park, Armagh, appeared at the Magistrates’ Court in Newry. He was released on bail and will appear before the court again on 28 September.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness, said Kevin was a vulnerable man.

“This was a frenzied attack on a man who lived alone and was unable to defend himself against someone who was intent on causing utterly horrific injuries,” he had said.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Stephen McIntosh told the court said the murdered man suffered several stab wounds, and that people nearby had reported hearing cries for help.

McIntosh said he could connect the father to the killing, saying that a size eight footwear print was found at the dead man’s home, which matched shoes sold to the accused at a store in Armagh.

Buthe added “We have not recovered the shoes that match that mark at this time.”

Conn O’Neill, barrister for the accused, told the court that his client had a clear record and had co-operated with detectives. The Fletcher family are supporting Kevin senior, who they believe is not guilty.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that last Friday Kevin senior had appeared on television to appeal for information about his son’s murder:

When asked about the moment he found the body, he said: “I didn’t know what to do. I was just absolutely numb.”

“I’d never seen anything like that before. I’ve seen dead bodies, but have never seen a horrendous death like that.”

Fletcher added that he could not understand why his son was murdered.

“Kevin was a loveable lad — although he didn’t have many male friends as he was a bit of a loner.”