Domestic abuse files submitted ahead of inquest into killing of two women
It is believed that Kenneth McClean-Flanagan murdered his mother and girlfriend
An inquest into the murder of two women in Newtownabbey is likely to last around a week with a large volume of evidence to be considered, a Coroner has said.
It is believed that Kenneth McClean-Flanagan, 26, murdered his mother Karen McClean-Flanagan, 50, and girlfriend Stacey Knell, 30, in Newtownabbey in March 2021 before taking his own life.
A "large volume" of files, including a "domestic abuse history" from the PSNI and medical information, has now been submitted to the Coroner's office ahead of an inquest.
The double killing in 2021 led to calls in the Northern Ireland Assembly for unified and determined action to tackle gender-based violence in Northern Ireland. A first preliminary hearing for inquests into the three deaths was held at Belfast’s Laganside Courthouse in March, with a follow-up hearing held in June, and another held on Wednesday afternoon.
Coroner Anne-Louise Toal said, during the hearing on Wednesday, that she hopes the inquest can go ahead in Easter.
In an update on the disclosure of various files, counsel for the Coroner Ronan Daly told the hearing that evidence gathered ahead of the inquest now includes two domestic homicide reviews, "voluminous" medical information, forensic reports and post-mortem reports.
He said there have been many "exchanges ongoing" between the Coroner's office and the PSNI, with documents already submitted including files relating to "domestic abuse history", "police attendances at various addresses", and "a criminal record in relation to Kenneth".
The Coroner, addressing a solicitor representing the PSNI, said she understands "this is an enormous disclosure exercise - that's not lost on me" but stressed that she is "keen to keep this case moving forward and, if at all possible, to list around Easter 2026 would be my hope".
The Coroner said she is "mindful that this case has been rolling on for some considerable amount of time" and said it is likely the inquest would take place over the course of "about a week's worth of hearings".
A further preliminary hearing is due to take place on October 23.
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