Ardoyne Murder Accused Switches Legal Team Ahead of Bail Bid

A man charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Robbie Lawlor in North Belfast has had his bail application adjourned after changing his legal representation.

Paul Drew, 41, of Whitebrook Park in Tallaght, Dublin, was scheduled to apply for release at Belfast Magistrates’ Court. However, proceedings were paused after the court heard that Belfast legal practice Phoenix Law has now taken over his defence, requiring additional time to prepare the case.

Solicitor Gavin Booth informed District Judge Anne Marshall that the firm had only recently come on record. Granting an adjournment of one week, Judge Marshall directed that Drew appear via video-link for the rescheduled hearing.

Drew faces charges of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in relation to the death of 36-year-old Lawlor. The victim was shot dead in broad daylight on Etna Drive in Ardoyne on April 4, 2020. Police believe Lawlor had arrived for an arranged meeting at a local house when a gunman stepped out and opened fire.

The shooting took place in the context of an ongoing feud between rival organised crime factions in the Republic of Ireland. Lawlor, who was a suspect in the January 2020 murder of Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, had travelled north amid fears of an attempt on his life.

Drew was arrested in Liverpool last month as part of the wider police investigation and remains in custody. Prosecutors previously indicated that evidence in the case includes data retrieved from the EncroChat encrypted network, CCTV footage, and text messages. Up to twelve other suspects have been interviewed in relation to the evidence, while two other men are already awaiting trial over the killing.