Man is held as police probe 'violent' murder of farmer
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Mr Victor Stewart. SG4470
A LOCAL man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Middletown man Victor Stewart.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the man had been detained in the 'Armagh area' on Tuesday morning.
The arrest took place on the same day that the 45-year-old farmer was buried in Drumhillery Presbyterian Church, following the discovery of his body by a meal salesman last Wednesday.
Officers now believe that the victim was killed two days previously at around 9pm on October 20. The detective in charge of the investigation, acting Detective Chief Inspector Ricky Harkness, said that Mr Stewart had met a 'violent death' but would not comment on the nature of his injuries.
The motive is believed to be robbery and officers are appealing for information to retrace the last steps of the farmer in the days leading up to his death.
A link with the killing of 62-year-old Armagh woman Eileen Corrigan has not been ruled out by police.
“It's one line of enquiry but there are no obvious links between the two murders," Mr Harkness said.
Mr Stewart's death is not the first tragedy to hit the family - his mother Violet was killed in a farming accident in the late 1970s.
Mayor of Armagh City and District Council Noel Sheridan said: "As Mayor of Armagh I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the families of those, who were so horrendously murdered in the Armagh City and District area in this last few weeks.
“I'm sure all in the community feel the same outrage and regret over these terrible events as I do, and will join me in offering whatever comfort they can to the families at this dreadful time. We can but hope that the perpetrators are swiftly caught and brought to justice, and to this end I would urge anyone with the slightest information to bring it to the attention of the PSNI."
Armagh SDLP Councillor Gerald Mallon said the entire community in Middletown was 'stunned' that Mr Stewart's death was now being led as a murder investigation.
Councillor Mallon - who lives in Middletown - said: "We were all saddened to hear of Victor's death and the thoughts of the entire community are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Now there is a sense of numbness within the area that police are treating this death as murder. The Creevekeeran Road is a very quiet rural setting and it is chilling to think a murder has happened in this countryside setting. This murder comes at a time when police in Armagh are still investigating the death of Eileen Corrigan in the city and local people are understandable fearful that the perpetuators of both crimes are still at large," he said.
UUP Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy condemned the 'cowardly' murder.
“By all accounts Victor Stewart was a quiet, decent hard-working farmer who was well respected in the Creevekeeran and Middletown area. That he should be so cruelly murdered has come as a very great shock to his family and the entire local community," he said.
“Every effort must be made to identify and convict whoever was responsible and I would urge anyone with a shred of information or evidence to bring it to the immediate attention of the PSNI. I would like to extend my profound sympathy to the Stewart family circle and the friends and neighbours of Mr Stewart at this desperately sad and tragic time."
DUP Councillor Noel Donnelly said he was saddened to hear of the brutal murder of a quiet, hardworking farmer going about his daily business.
“My thoughts are with the family circle as they struggle to come to terms with such a devastating loss, as well as trying to keep the farm going with all that has happened. This incident has deeply shocked the whole community leading to fear among many."
DUP MLA William Irwin said that the murder was "shocking news".
“This comes just a couple of weeks after the murder of Eileen Corrigan in Armagh City and I would appeal for anyone with information on this latest horrific incident to contact the PSNI immediately. Whoever carried this out must be apprehended and brought before the courts," he said.
Local District Policing Partnership chairperson and Sinn Fein councillor Darren McNally offered condolence to the Stewart family and said: "I am sure that this is a very tough time for Victor's family and friends, I would call on anyone who may know anything or would have an useful information to come forward."
UUP Councillor Jim Speers added: "Victor Stewart was a decent, inoffensive man and this incident is an absolute tragedy. He was a hard worker and I condemn those responsible and hope the police will redouble their efforts to apprehend those responsible for this horrendous act."
An incident room has been set up at Armagh PSNI station and anyone with information surrounding Victor Stewart's death should call 3751 7390.
