Cheung killer dies in prison

THE Antrim Guardian understands that one of the men jailed for the murder of Randalstown restaurateur Nelson Cheung has passed away in prison.

Wing Fu Cheung, known as Nelson, was stabbed 18 times during a robbery in January 2015.

Mr Cheung, 64, ran the Double Value Chinese takeaway.

His wife Kam-Fung, known as Winnie, was also wounded and robbed in the attack.

A gang targeted the Cheungs as they drove home after closing their restaurant for the night.

Mrs Cheung's handbag - containing £200 in cash, bank cards, an iPad, an iPhone and several other items - was taken during the incident.

Following the murder, she returned to Hong Kong with the couple's children.

In 2017, Portuguese national Virgilio Correia, of Grant Avenue in Randalstown, was told he would serve at least 16 years in prison.

He also a further 12 years in prison for wounding with intent, and 12 years for robbery, to run concurrently.

It is understood Correia was found dead in his cell at HMP Magilligan last week.

At the time of the trial, the judge said the murder had been carried out by ‘drug-addled, parasitic assailants’.

Christopher Menaul, from Barra Street in Antrim, was sentenced to at least nine years in jail for the murder as well as a further 12 years in prison for wounding with intent, and 12 years for robbery, to run concurrently.

Belfast Crown Court heard that the killers needed money to pay paramilitaries over a drugs debt.

Antrim couple Gary and Lisa Thompson admitted assisting offenders by allowing Correia and Menaul to take refuge in their home after the murder, as well as letting them clean themselves and remove clothing.

Both also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Gary Thompson admitted robbery for which he was sentenced to seven years. He received three years, to be served concurrently, for the other two charges against him.

Lisa Thompson also admitted handling stolen goods.

She was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years, for each of the three counts against her, to be served concurrently.

A spokesperson for NIPS said: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service can confirm the death of a prisoner at Magilligan Prison, on Tuesday 22 July. The next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and the Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed and will investigate the death.

“The Prison Service would like to extend its sympathies to the family of the prisoner at this difficult time.”