16/11/2012

Bertie Acheson Killing: Pregnant Woman On Bail

A pregnant mother of one has been released on bail after being charged with manslaughter over the death of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson.

Jennifer Toland, 23, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court.

72-year-old Mr Acheson died after confronting an intruder at his home in Glenmore Gardens in Coleraine on 30 April this year.

A PSNI detective constable has told the court she could connect Toland to the charges.

Ms Toland has been interviewed 18 times over the past three days.

She has been unable to provide an alibi for the night of April 30, but told police she was at home with her 16-month-old child.

The accused was granted bail after District Judge Des Perry said it would be inappropriate for a woman in the middle stages of pregnancy to be in custody.

The incident began as Mr Acheson was asleep with his wife Sheila on 30 April and was awoken by the sound of breaking glass.

When Mr Acheson got up to investigate, he went into the kitchen and was confronted by an intruder, who demanded money. An altercation and struggle resulted in Mr Acheson falling to the floor.

He suffered a heart attack, which detectives say was brought about by stress.

The intruder went into the couple’s bedroom and threatened Mrs Acheson, who is 70 years of age and suffers from arthritis.

The thief stole her purse and escaped with £375.

Ms Toland is reported to have shown no emotion as the charges were read before her.

(IT)

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11 December 2014
Man Sentenced Over Bertie Acheson Murder
A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison over the manslaughter of pensioner Bertie Acheson in Coleraine, County L'Derry. Paul Toland's sentence will consist of four and a half years in prison and the remainder on licence.
12 November 2012
Woman Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
A woman has been arrested by detectives over the murder of Coleraine man Bertie Acheson. The 22-year-old suspect was arrested today in the Antrim area and has been taken to the town’s police station. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of the pensioner at the end of October.
31 October 2012
Man Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson. The man was arrested in the greater Belfast area this morning. He has been taken to Antrim police station for questioning. Police are also searching a property in Antrim.
13 February 2014
Pair To Go On Trial For Bernie Acheson Murder
A husband and wife now face murder charges in connection with the death of a pensioner. Jennifer Toland, 24, and Paul Toland, 40, from County Antrim had previously been charges with manslaughter. Today the pair returned to Ballymena Magistrate's Court for trial on charges of murder and robbery.
22 October 2012
New Lead In Pensioner Murder Inquiry
Detectives investigating the murder of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson are following up a new lead. The focus of the investigation into the murder of the 72-year-old man has now shifted to Antrim. Checkpoints have been operating in the Antrim area as police begin talking to motorists and distributing leaflets to acquire more information.