Ernest Rutledge, 77, from Dernavogy Road in Brookeborough, pleaded guilty through his barrister to failing to comply with firearm certificate conditions at Enniskillen Magistrates Court.

The charge relates to improper storage of a firearm and ammunition on July 22, 2024, the day before the shooting at a house on Crummeer Road in Maguiresbridge.

Emergency services arrived at the Maguiresbridge house on July 23, 2024, and found Vanessa Whyte, 45, and daughter Sara Rutledge dead at the scene. Son James Rutledge, 13, was taken to hospital and later died from his injuries.

Ian Rutledge, the father, had shot himself and was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he died days later.

A 999 call originated from Sara Rutledge's phone, but no one spoke during it.

District Judge Alana McSorley ordered pre-sentence reports after noting victim impact statements were not yet finalised. She adjourned the case to May 13.