A 42-year old man is to stand trial later this year on a charge of murdering his wife during a boat trip in Co Fermanagh , a court heard today (Friday).

The accused also had his bail conditions relaxed to allow him to visit her grave this weekend, as Saturday marks the anniversary of her death.

Stephen McKinney has been charged with, and denies, murdering Lu Na, whose body was recovering from water near Devenish Island on Lower Lough Erne in April 2017.

McKinney, from Castletown Square in Fintona, appeared at Belfast Crown Court, where he was charged with murdering his wife on a date between April 11 and April 14, 2017.

When he was asked by a court clerk how he pleaded, McKinney replied "innocent." This prompted the clerk to ask "I beg your pardon?", before McKinney said "not guilty."

Mr Justice Colton was informed that the hearing is estimated to last around a month, with the Judge informing the court the trial will more than likely be held in Dungannon Crown Court. He then set the trial date for September 30th.

A defence barrister highlighted a bail condition that banned McKinney from entering Strabane. Revealing "tomorrow is the anniversary of his wife's death", the barrister asked the Judge to amend the condition to allow him to visit her grave on Saturday. Mr Justice Colton said: "I will vary the bail to permit that."

The case has been listed for review at the start of May.