Man (36) appears in court accused of brutally murdering Aidan Mann in broad daylight

Newtownards Court heard that 36-year-old Barry Donnelly “has made admissions at interview and has expressed remorse for his actions.”

Appearing at Court by videolink from police custody, Donnelly spoke only to confirm that he understood the two charges against him and that he could see and hear the court.

Donnelly is accused of the murder of Aidan Mann and possessing “two large kitchen knives” in public, close to his home on Church Street in Downpatrick, on 3 January this year.

The 28-year-old talented tattoo artist, also known as Zen Black, was attacked on Church Street at about 11:00 GMT on Monday and although given treatment by paramedics at the scene he sadly died.

Reportedly witnessed by a 12-year-old child, Donnelly was arrested at the scene having been wrestled to the ground by four men who restrained him until police arrived.

In court on Wednesday, a Det. Insoector gave evidence that she believed she could connect Donnelly to the bloody murder while defence solicitor Roise Fitzpatrick revealed that Donnelly “has made admissions at interview and has expressed remorse for his actions,” adding that he had given no instructions to ask for bail.

District Judge Mark Hamill remanded Donnelly into custody and adjourned the case to 27 January.