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15/02/2011
Bizarre Double Murder Trial Continues
Defence counsel for a Co Londonderry woman accused of freely taking part in the plot to kill her own husband and her then lover's wife, have claimed that dentist Colin Howell was forcing the accused, Hazel Stewart against her will to be complicit in the deadly plot.
The self-confessed killer dentist (pictured) has already told Coleraine Crown Court he had been "an evil man" having admitted killing his wife, Lesley Howell and the husband of Mrs Stewart - policeman, Trevor Buchanan in May 1991.
RUC Constable Buchanan was married to Howell's former lover Hazel Stewart who is now accused of the same two murders.
On day six of her murder trial Howell said he had volunteered to give evidence because he wanted the truth of the murders to be known.
The former dentist admits he gassed his victims with car exhaust fumes and then staged their bodies to look like a double suicide.
But, under cross-examination he denied he had exerted a controlling influence over Stewart who, a defence barrister claimed "wanted no part in the murder plot".
But Howell dismissed suggestions he had acted as a "puppet master" who exerted a domineering influence on Stewart.
The bodies of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan were found gassed by fumes in a car behind a row of houses in Castlerock, Co Londonderry more than 18 years ago.
Howell and his co-accused, as well as their partners, were all members of Coleraine Baptist Church at the time of the deaths.
A year after the police launched the original investigation, a Coroner's court inquest said the deaths were suicides, both victims having been poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes.
But, Howell revealed the true story many years later and pleaded his guilt when he appeared at Belfast Crown Court last November with his ex-lover Hazel Stewart now also standing trial for the murders.
See: Life Sentences For 'Suicide' Murders
The self-confessed killer dentist (pictured) has already told Coleraine Crown Court he had been "an evil man" having admitted killing his wife, Lesley Howell and the husband of Mrs Stewart - policeman, Trevor Buchanan in May 1991.
RUC Constable Buchanan was married to Howell's former lover Hazel Stewart who is now accused of the same two murders.
On day six of her murder trial Howell said he had volunteered to give evidence because he wanted the truth of the murders to be known.
The former dentist admits he gassed his victims with car exhaust fumes and then staged their bodies to look like a double suicide.
But, under cross-examination he denied he had exerted a controlling influence over Stewart who, a defence barrister claimed "wanted no part in the murder plot".
But Howell dismissed suggestions he had acted as a "puppet master" who exerted a domineering influence on Stewart.
The bodies of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan were found gassed by fumes in a car behind a row of houses in Castlerock, Co Londonderry more than 18 years ago.
Howell and his co-accused, as well as their partners, were all members of Coleraine Baptist Church at the time of the deaths.
A year after the police launched the original investigation, a Coroner's court inquest said the deaths were suicides, both victims having been poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes.
But, Howell revealed the true story many years later and pleaded his guilt when he appeared at Belfast Crown Court last November with his ex-lover Hazel Stewart now also standing trial for the murders.
See: Life Sentences For 'Suicide' Murders
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14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
23 February 2011
Killer Dentist 'Used Gas To Sedate Lovers'
A high profile murder trial has heard that the accused, Hazel Stewart, feared her former lover - a dentist - gave her too much laughing gas before a sex session on his dentist's chair. Mrs Stewart, 47, is denying murdering her husband, Trevor Buchanan, 32, and her former lover Colin Howell's wife, Leslie, 31, in May 1991.
Killer Dentist 'Used Gas To Sedate Lovers'
A high profile murder trial has heard that the accused, Hazel Stewart, feared her former lover - a dentist - gave her too much laughing gas before a sex session on his dentist's chair. Mrs Stewart, 47, is denying murdering her husband, Trevor Buchanan, 32, and her former lover Colin Howell's wife, Leslie, 31, in May 1991.
07 June 2011
Inquest Verdict 'Carbon Monoxide Poisoning'
A second inquest has today found that two people murdered by disgraced dentist, Colin Howell and his lover Hazel Stewart were the victims of "homicidal carbon monoxide poisoning". Trevor Buchanan, a 32-year-old policeman and Mrs Howell, 31, were found in a car in a fume-filled garage in the seaside town of Castlerock, Co Londonderry.
Inquest Verdict 'Carbon Monoxide Poisoning'
A second inquest has today found that two people murdered by disgraced dentist, Colin Howell and his lover Hazel Stewart were the victims of "homicidal carbon monoxide poisoning". Trevor Buchanan, a 32-year-old policeman and Mrs Howell, 31, were found in a car in a fume-filled garage in the seaside town of Castlerock, Co Londonderry.
13 January 2012
Stewart Faces Delay Over Double Murder Appeal
Hazel Stewart, who was convicted of double murder, may have to wait until the summer to hear if she can overturn her conviction. Stewart was convicted of murdering her husband and her lover Colin Howell's wife 20 years ago.
Stewart Faces Delay Over Double Murder Appeal
Hazel Stewart, who was convicted of double murder, may have to wait until the summer to hear if she can overturn her conviction. Stewart was convicted of murdering her husband and her lover Colin Howell's wife 20 years ago.
08 February 2013
Hazel Stewart Was 'Knowing And Willing' Accomplice
The Appeal Court has ruled Hazel Stewart was a "knowing and willing" participant in the murder of her husband and her former lover’s wife, the BBC has reported. Three senior judges have concluded she supported the double murder, carried out by former dentist Colin Howell, by providing him with assistance.
Hazel Stewart Was 'Knowing And Willing' Accomplice
The Appeal Court has ruled Hazel Stewart was a "knowing and willing" participant in the murder of her husband and her former lover’s wife, the BBC has reported. Three senior judges have concluded she supported the double murder, carried out by former dentist Colin Howell, by providing him with assistance.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
