FURTHER forensic tests have to be carried out on a weapon that is “crucial” to the case against two men accused of the murder of a wedding guest in Newtownbutler over a year ago, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Bernard ‘Barney’ McGinley, a 63-year-old grandfather from county Longford, was shot dead in front of his wife Brigid while attending a wedding at St Mary’s Church, Newtownbutler on February 11, 2015.

The two men charged with his alleged murder – 47-year-old Patrick McGinley and his 27-year-old son William, both of Lisfarrell, Edgeworthstown, County Longford – appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court on Monday for the latest update in their case.

William McGinley is further charged with the attempted murder of ‘Barney’ McGinley’s son, Bernard McGinley Junior, on the same occasion.

Both men are currently out on bail, subject to strict conditions.

A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told the court that it was a “complex case” and there was “quite a lot of history”.

The prosecutor said that the weapon, described at an earlier hearing as a “crucial” piece of evidence, had now been handed over to the PSNI by the Gardai and had been brought to forensic scientists in Carrickfergus for examination.

However, she revealed that the testing process had not been straightforward as the weapon was an “improvised device”.

The PPS representative advised the court that further tests were required.

Referring to other “outstanding issues”, the prosecutor added that further statements were needed from cross-border witnesses.

She requested adjourning the case until August 1, when the investigating officer would give an update.

However, the defending solicitor asked for a shorter adjournment as the two co-accused were “anxious” to have the matter advanced.

District judge, Benita Boyd, acknowledged the defence concerns, but observed that the “difficulty is the holiday period we’re in”.

The judge adjourned the case until Monday, August 1 for the officer-in-charge to attend.