James McDonagh assaulted outside The Elk Inn in Toomebridge early on Sunday morning but later died of his injuries
DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team probing the murder of Castledawson’s James McDonagh last weekend have arrested a woman this morning in a dawn swoop
Mr McDonagh was assaulted outside the Elk Inn Bar and nightclub on the Hillhead Road in Toomebridge in the early hours of last Sunday morning.
He was first taken to Antrim Area Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The 33-year-woman was detained in Banbridge, Co Down and is being questioned on suspicion of withholding information.
She is currently being detained at Lurgan PSNI station in Belfast.
The senior investigating office, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan, said: “The suspect was arrested this morning and is being questioned at Lurgan police station about withholding information.
“Police enquiries are continuing.”
A 24-year-old man appeared in court on Thursday charged with murder.
Finbar McCoy, from Loughbeg Road in Toomebridge faced Derry Magistrates’ Court for a first appearance where a district judge heard tensions were running high in Toomebridge following the murder.
During the hearing, a detective told the court Mr McDonagh had been the victim of a one punch attack to the head.
During the incident, he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground which “brought about the tragedy of his death”.
Mr McDonagh was first taken to Antrim Area Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to be treated by a specialist head trauma unit.
Tragically, Mr McDonagh subsequently died of his injuries sparking a murder inquiry.
Derry Magistrates’ Court heard that when cautioned and charged with the murder, 24-year-old McCoy denied the charge but allegedly admitted assaulting Mr McDonagh,
In response to the murder charge, McCoy allegedly replied: “I can’t bring together to say how sorry I am.
“I feel so sad for his family but I did not murder James McDonagh.”
The detective told the court McCoy had co-operated with the police investigation
McCoy was remanded in custody to Maghaberry Prison.
The defendant will appear back at Derry Magistrates’ Court via video link on Thursday, February 11.
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