29/11/2012

Man Charged Over Bertie Acheson Murder

A 39-year-old Antrim man has been charged with the manslaughter of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson.

He is due appear at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.

The man had previously been arrested by detectives investigating the death of Mr Acheson.

Jennifer Toland, 23, also appeared at Ballymena Magistrates' Court earlier this month over the murder.

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

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

72-year-old Bertie Acheson was asleep with his wife Sheila on 30 April when he 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.

(IT/GK)

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