PSNI Pays Tribute To Murdered NI School Teacher

The PSNI has paid tribute to a murdered Northern Ireland schoolteacher after a man admitted responsibility this week.

In an unusual move, a police spokesperson took to social media to comment on the investigation into Robert Flowerday's murder last January and thanked the Co Antrim community for their assistance.

The victim, who police described as a "kind and gentle soul", was found dead at his Crumlin home after sustaining injuries later described as "horrific".

A Co Antrim man, who had initially pled not guilty to both murdering the 64-year-old and breaking into his Mill Road home with intent to steal, pled guilty to both charges when re-arraigned this week.

Michael Gerard Owens, 35, of the Lisburn Road in Glenavy will be told the length of his sentence at a later hearing.

A spokesperson for PSNI Antrim commented: "We don't often use social media to capture outcomes of investigations. Sometimes these investigations can be lengthy and take a great deal of time to work their way through the criminal justice system.

"However, I wanted to acknowledge yesterday's news that a person had pleaded guilty to the murder of Robert Flowerday.

"It's important to pay thanks to the community in Crumlin for their support and assistance, to the detectives involved in the case and to those who provided witness statements and information which was was of huge importance.

"Robert Flowerday was a kind and gentle soul who did not deserve to die in the way he did. Yesterday's news does not lessen the shock and pain his death caused his loved ones and the local community in Crumlin but perhaps it can provide some comfort that justice has been served."



(JG/CM)