Two men found guilty over Waringstown murder

Two men have been found guilty of the murder of Malcolm McKeown in 2019.

Mr McKeown, 54, was shot as he sat in a BMW parked at the back of a service station in Waringstown, County Down, in August of that year.

Jake O’Brien, 30, from Rectory Road in Lurgan, County Armagh, and Andrew Thomas Kenneth Martin of Bridge Street in Banbridge, County Down, were both found guilty at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.

Two other men – Stevie Lee Watson, 36, from Princeton Avenue in Lurgan and 36-year-old Simon Smyth from Hazelgrove Avenue in Lurgan – were both acquitted of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Martin admitted to “aiding and abetting” Mr McKeown’s murder last year.

However, while the 29-year-old was given an automatic life sentence, his plea was not accepted by the Crown.

During the non-jury Diplock trial, the assistant state pathologist said the victim died from bullet wounds to his head and body and was hit by at least six bullets.

The pathologist said it was “quite possible” the muzzle of the weapon had been pressed against the victim’s skin.

It was also heard that Mr McKeown was involved in a feud with a criminal organisation known as ‘The Firm’.

Two young boys out riding their bikes found Mr McKeown’s body.

More to follow.