Man appears in court charged with murder of Belfast community worker

Mark Sewell is third person to appear in court charged with Ian Ogle’s murder

Ian Ogle’s wife Vera (centre), wearing a necklace with a photo of herself and Ian, leaves Belfast’s Laganside Courts on Friday. Photograph: Pacemaker
Ian Ogle’s wife Vera (centre), wearing a necklace with a photo of herself and Ian, leaves Belfast’s Laganside Courts on Friday. Photograph: Pacemaker

A 40-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Belfast community worker.

Ian Ogle (45), died in January after he was attacked while standing praying with a pastor on a street near his home in Cluan Place in the east of the city.

On Friday morning, Mark Sewell, of Aigburth Park, Belfast, became the third person to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with his murder.

Members of the Ogle family, including Mr Ogle’s partner, son and daughter, watched on from the public gallery as Mr Sewell appeared in the dock handcuffed and wearing a grey jumper.

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He indicated he understood the single charge of murder when it was put to him.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective constable told the court he believes he can connect the accused with the charge.

District Judge Liam McStay heard that if a bail application is to be made, then police will be notified.

Mr Sewell will next appear in court by video link on May 15th. – PA