The development was confirmed by a Crown lawyer as Nigel James Brown (25) of Whitewell Road, Newtownabbey - the only person so far to face criminal proceedings in connection with the knife attack - had his bail revoked.

Brown is accused of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent on a friend of 15-year-old Thomas, who was stabbed to death close to his home in August 2005.

He allegedly tried to strike Jonathan McKee with a stick or baton on the night of the murder, prosecuting counsel Amanda Brady told the High Court.

Ms. Brady said another man is believed to have stabbed Thomas and also inflicted injuries on Jonathan.

She stated that a preliminary inquiry hearing in the case against Brown had been put back earlier this month.

"It was adjourned at the request of the Public Prosecution Service because the Devlin family are challenging the prosecution decision not to prosecute this applicant for the murder of Thomas Devlin," said Ms. Brady.

"The Public Prosecution Service are presently reviewing that decision and the preliminary inquiry has been adjourned until September 23."

Brown was recommitted into custody.