At Coleraine Magistrates’ Court today (3 August), Darrell Joseph Shaw, a 34-year-old with no fixed abode, appeared via video link from Maghaberry Prison facing a murder charge relating to the alleged killing of Wayne John Reid on 12th January 2026.
Wayne John Reid, 43, was found dead at house in Society Court in Coleraine. Coleraine Magistrates’ Court heard previously that Mr Reid revealed the names of those responsible for attacking him in phone calls made before his death.
The PPS barrister outlined a series of complexities surrounding the ongoing investigation, highlighting that additional suspects had been released on bail as of 27 July, with their return scheduled for various dates starting 19 October.
One of the key points raised was the status of the post-mortem report, which is pending further analysis from an osteopathologist. The PPS indicated that there is no established timeline for the conclusion of this report.
Additionally, the court was told that the investigation has reviewed over 1,600 hours of CCTV footage, with the PPS saying, “There are multiple phases of CCTV. The viewing for CCTV phase 3 is still underway, which includes approximately 100 hours yet to be reviewed. Overall, there has been a total of 1,600 hours of CCTV footage examined, plus an additional 500 hours.”
“So, well north of 2,000 hours as part of the investigation.” District Judge Peter King remarked to the court.
The court was told that on the matter of mobile phones, the police have submitted four more SIM cards and two mobile phones for examination, which brings the total number of phones examined to 29. The PPS barrister noted that a substantial report is expected by the end of September, although no significant developments are anticipated in the immediate future.
Defence Barrister Mr McKeever, representing Shaw, acknowledged the detailed update from the PPS and sought clarification regarding the timing of the FSNI (Forensic Service Northern Ireland) report, expected around the 13th of September.
Judge King remarked on the updates, “I’m anticipating developments in this case, but those will likely occur in the autumn. The case remains as is until the report is returned at the end of September, and then we’ll see what happens with the additional suspects due back on police bail in October.”
Judge King adjourned the case for update set for 24 August via video link at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.
