Man denies murdering Ian Ogle in east Belfast

Mr Ogle died close to his home in Cluan Place on January 27th. Credit: Family Photo

A 33-year-old man has appeared in court and denied murdering Belfast community worker Ian Ogle.

There was a heavy police presence at Belfast Magistrates' Court as Jonathan Brown, of McArthur Court, Belfast, appeared in the dock.

He wore a grey jumper and looked around the courtroom, including at the packed public gallery where the Ogle family and supporters were sitting.

Mr Brown indicated that he understood the single charge of murder put to him.

His lawyer Mark Austin told the court "Mr Brown denies planning, preparing and committing this offence".

No application for bail was made during the brief hearing and he was remanded in custody, to appear again via video link on March 8.

Large crowds turned out for a vigil in memory of the 45-year-old father-of-two. Credit: PressEye

Mr Ogle, 45, died after being stabbed 11 times as he prayed with a pastor on Cluan Place in east Belfast on January 27.

Thousands of people lined the streets for his funeral on Monday.

Detectives have made 14 arrests and carried out multiple searches over the death.

The other 13 people who were arrested have been released.