CCTV the key after Ballynahinch murder

CCTV the key after Ballynahinch murder

3 October 2012

CCTV footage may help police piece together the final moments leading up to the murder of David Mills in Ballynahinch at the weekend.

Footage is believed to have been recovered from a security camera at the junction of Church Road, Dromore Street and High Street that could provide vital evidence about the incident that led to the death of the 47 year-old former Irish league footballer in hospital on Sunday.

It is hoped the film, which should have captured activity at Dromore Street where the incident happened, will answer questions about how Mr. Mills suffered fatal injuries as he made his way to a Chinese take-away following a night out with friends.

A 30 year-old Dundrum man, who is a relative of Mr. Mills, appeared in court yesterday morning charged with his murder.

John Stanley Foster, of Carrigvale, made a brief appearance in Newtownards courthouse where he was connected to the single murder charge.

Foster, who was wearing one earring and a blue sweatshirt, did not say anything in answer to the charge. He was remanded in custody to appear in Downpatrick courthouse by videolink later this month.

Mr. Mills’ death has sent shockwaves through the wider Ballynahinch and Dundrum communities where he was a popular and successful sportsman.

On the night of his death, the father of two had been in Paddy Kelly’s pub in the town celebrating a crucial league victory for Drumaness Cricket Club for whom he was a faithful player.

It is understood Mr. Mills, who was a father of two, had gone for the take-away on his way home to his house in Seaforde.

He was widely known for his footballing prowess, having played Irish league football for Portadown FC where he made nearly 150 appearances over seven seasons in the mid-1980s.

Mr. Mills remained passionate about soccer until his death and was a constant supporter for his home club Drumaness Mills for whom he played for many years and who he also managed. In recent years he made the cut as a valued member of the Northern Ireland veterans’ team, which trains in Ballynahinch.

One of his childhood friends, Mr. Noel Dean, who played alongside Mr. Mills in the veterans’ team, said football had been part of his life since they were boys attending Spa Primary School together.

Mr. Dean, who considered Mr. Mills one of his oldest friends, yesterday painted an emotional picture of a “big character who nobody could say a bad word about.”

“I sat beside him in every class and we were inseparable,” said Mr. Dean, who is now manager of Temple Rangers FC.

“I remember the first day we met we had a fight, but we were best mates by the end of the day and that lasted even when I moved out of the area.

“Anytime we met it was like old times and I am just devastated and shocked by what has happened to such a diamond fella.”

Describing Mr. Mills as a “private person”, Mr. Dean said he was always full of craic and he believes the loss of a larger than life personality like his has been a particular shock to the community, particularly his home village of Drumaness.

“He was a sporty and competitive man and people took him as they found him,” he said.

“He called a spade a spade and that is something that will be missed. His death has left a hole that will never be filled.”