24/04/2012

Couple Go On Trial Accused Of Murdering Granddaughter

The grandparents of a severely disabled teenage girl who died more than ten years ago have gone on trial at Belfast Crown Court accused of her murder.

David Johnstone, 88, and his wife Sarah, 86, from Cranwood Drive in Glengormley, deny manslaughter and charges of child cruelty against their granddaughter Rebecca McKeown, 14, in March 2001.

The barrister for the prosecution warned the jury that some evidence in the case would be distressing.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

(CD/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 May 2012
Couple Acquitted Of Killing Disabled Granddaughter
An elderly couple who were accused of killing their disabled granddaughter have been acquitted. David and Sarah Johnston, from Carwood Drive, Glengormley, County Antrim, denied charges of manslaughter and child cruelty. Following the acquittal, Mr Johnson told the judge: "Thank you very much.
10 December 2010
Duffy To Stand Trial Over Massareene
A well-known Co Armagh republican, Colin Duffy and Magherafelt man Brian Shivers will go on trial early next year accused of murdering two soldiers in the Real IRA gun attack on Massareene army base in March 2009.
26 April 2012
Elderly Couple's Grandson 'Was Once A Murder Suspect'
The trial of an elderly couple accused of killing their severely disabled grandchild, Rebecca McKeown, has heard their grandson had been arrested of suspicion of murdering her. Stewart McKeown was not charged at the time in relation to his sisters death. Rebecca died aged 14 in 2001.
29 June 2012
Mauritius Trial On Hold At Six-Week Mark
The trial of two men accused of murdering a Co Tyrone newlywed has been put on hold while lawyers attempted to resolve an outstanding legal issue. Judge Mr Justice Prithviraj Fecknah thanked jurors at the Mauritius murder trial surrounding Michaela McAreavey's death for their patience.
22 June 2012
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.