Brother and sister charged over Belfast murder

A brother and sister were remanded in custody today when they appeared in court in Belfast today charged in connection with the…

A brother and sister were remanded in custody today when they appeared in court in Belfast today charged in connection with the murder of the man's partner.

Mr Joseph Patrick Doherty (48) unemployed, whose address was given as Strathroy Park, was charged at Belfast Magistrates' Court with the murder of Ms Roseanna Lonergan, originally from Co Kerry.

His sister, Ms Mary Elizabeth Doherty (41) also unemployed and from the same address, was charged with withholding information about the murder.

The body of 41-year-old Ms Lonergan was discovered by police called to her home at Brookville Court, Belfast on Monday morning.

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A Detective Inspector told the court that when he charged Mr Doherty last night he replied: "I am very sorry for what I have done."

He said when he charged Ms Doherty she made no reply. Both accused were remanded in custody until February 9th to reappear at the same court by video link.

Ms Lonergan was originally from Tralee in Co Kerry but had been living in Northern Ireland for the last 10 to 15 years.

PA