Man appears in court over Portavogie murder

A man has been remanded into custody after appearing in court charged with the murder of Jordan Webb in Portavogie in County Down.

The body of 28-year-old Mr Webb was discovered at a house on New Harbour Road on Monday.

Emergency services attended the scene but he was later pronounced dead.

Kai Johnston, aged 21, of Springfield Gardens in Portavogie, appeared before Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He is charged with murder and other offences including possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife, with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of a class C drug on the 3 November.

Mr Johnston is further charged with assault on 2 November.

The accused stood in the dock and replied “yes” when asked if he understood the charges against him.

A senior Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer told the court he could connect Mr Johnston to the charges.

Det Sgt White said there was witness evidence, telephone evidence, forensic evidence and full admissions during interview.

Both the families of Jordan Webb and the accused Kai Johnston were in court on Thursday.

Before proceedings began, Judge Rice said it “was a very grave case” that involves a murder accusation and the “tragic loss of a young man”.

He also asked everyone in the court room to “behave with decorum” and to respect the court.

No bail application was made and the accused was remanded into custody to appear again via video link on 3 December.