A preliminary enquiry for Dylan McCrossan, charged with the murder of Stephen Holmes, is set for Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday, April 16.

McCrossan, 32, from Beechmount Village in Strabane, appeared via video link from Maghaberry Prison at a recent hearing. He faces charges related to the death of Holmes, a father of two, on February 8 last year.

Holmes was assaulted at his home on February 3. He died in hospital five days later. McCrossan was first arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm. The charge changed to murder after Holmes's death.

McCrossan has stayed in custody at Maghaberry since his arrest. He also faces charges for possessing Class A drug cocaine and Class C drug pregabalin.

His barrister confirmed during the hearing that the preliminary enquiry will go ahead next week. The barrister requested video link access for any other court matters, with a solicitor present in court.