Two Men Charged in Connection with Nicholas Gordon's Death
Two men have appeared in court facing charges related to the murder of Nicholas Gordon at his residence in east Belfast.
The 51-year-old, known as Nicky, was assaulted when several intruders entered his apartment on the Holywood Road on 12 May. He was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Details of Court Appearance
Christopher Nobes, 31, and Andrew Matthews, 25, both without a fixed address, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with multiple offences including murder, possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and threats to kill.
Solicitors representing both men stated that they
"vehemently deny the charges"against their clients.
During the hearing, Nobes and Matthews, dressed in grey tracksuits, spoke only to confirm their understanding of the charges.
Additional charges include aggravated burglary, theft, and criminal damage.
Police Evidence and Incident Description
A detective inspector confirmed that police have evidence linking the two men to the charges.
She informed the court that officers arrived at Nicholas Gordon's apartment in the early hours of 12 May and found him conscious but severely beaten.
He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where he died on Saturday 16 May.
The detective inspector explained that Nobes and Matthews were believed to have been residing in another flat within the same building complex.
She stated that in the early hours of 12 May, the men forcibly entered Gordon's home on three separate occasions, attacking him with a brush shaft.
She further detailed that criminal damage occurred when a television was removed from the wall and thrown at a window.
The police officer added that the two men had threatened witnesses before fleeing to Scotland on 13 May using false names.
Court Proceedings and Custody Status
No bail application was submitted during the hearing, but solicitors reiterated that their clients
"vehemently deny the charges".
Both men were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear again on 19 June.
Other Arrests Related to the Incident
Two additional individuals arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm were released unconditionally on Tuesday.
