The victim of an assault which took place on Sunday evening, January 3, near the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney has died after the vicious attack which left him in hospital with severe head injuries.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation following the death of 33 year old Steven Peck from the Ballymoney area following a serious assault in Ballymoney on 3rd January.
Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: “My thoughts are with Steven’s family at this very sad and difficult time.
“I again appeal to anyone who can assist police or witnessed anything suspicious between 7pm and 9pm on Sunday, 3 January on Garryduff Road or within the pathway of the Garryduff Road area adjacent to the leisure centre, where Steven was found, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 1408 03/01/21, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Three suspects in the attack – Brian McCook (24), Stephen McCook (28) & David Austin (54) – were arrested and following additional time granted to Police to question all three, they appeared before Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Friday January 8 charged with the attempted murder of the victim, with Brian McCook further charged with two counts of threats to kill against witnesses in the case.
Following the bail hearing, District Judge Peter King refused bail for all three suspects on the grounds that there is a possibility of ‘interference with witnesses’.
All three were remanded in custody until February 1 to appear via video link but the victim has now died the accused may now have their charges upgraded to Murder.
