Convicted Killer And Rapist Robert Howard Dies

Convicted killer and rapist Robert Howard has died while he was in prison custody at a hospital in England.

Howard, 71, was given a life sentence for raping and murdering 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London. Her body was discovered in 2002.

He was also a suspect in the murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson from County Tyrone in 1994.

Howard was last seen with Arlene before she disappeared after a night out at a disco in Co Donegal. Eleven years later he was acquitted of her murder.

However, Howard was due to give evidence at the re-ordered inquest into Arlene's death in Belfast.

He is believed to have died from natural causes.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service division of the UK's Ministry of Justice said: "HMP Frankland prisoner Robert Howard was pronounced dead in hospital at 1.55pm on Friday.

"As with all deaths in custody there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."

Arlene's body has never been recovered.

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the PSNI to release all documents in relation to the Arlene Arkinson murder to the coroner so the inquest can proceed.

Mr Doherty said: "Given the fact that a former leading detective in the case has stated he was certain Robert Howard was responsible for the murder of Arlene Arkinson it is now time for the PSNI to release all files relating to the case to the coroner.

"At a recent hearing the PSNI applied for a Public Interest Immunity (PII) to withhold three files being made available to the Coroner.

"I have raised the question as to why they applied for these PII's and who was the PSNI attempting to protect. These files must be released now given the death of Robert Howard.

"The Arkinson family deserve answers about what happened to Arlene and help in recovering her remains."

(CD/JP)