The ex-partners of a man and woman found dead in a car filled with smoke fumes nearly 20 years ago were charged with their murders today.
Dentist Dr Colin Howell (50) and mother of four Hazel Stewart (45) appeared in court in Coleraine, Co Derry this morning.
They were charged separately with the murders of RUC officer Trevor Buchanan (31) and Lesley Howell (30) whose bodies were discovered in a car in the seaside town of Castlerock, in May 1991.
Apart from confirming that they understood the charges, neither of them spoke.
Dr Howell, from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, was remanded in custody until next Monday, but Ms Stewart was granted bail totally €15,000 even though the Crown objected and police revealed they feared she would take her own life if she was released from custody.
Ms Stewart sat with her head bowed as the police officer heading the murder investigation said he believed she would kill herself if she was allowed out.
Detective Inspector Ian Magee said his objection to bail was based on the grounds of Ms Stewart’s welfare and safety. He told Judge Richard Wilson: “There is a clear intimation to me and my team that should she be released that she may well take her own life. It would be my main concern.”
Ms Stewart’s solicitor, Steven Hastings, said he believed the threat would just be the same if his client was remanded in custody to Hydebank Prison.
But Mr Magee said: “She has the support of her husband but it is very difficult to keep an eye on someone 24 hours a day.”
He accepted Ms Stewart also had the support of two of her children, aged 25 and 26, and he agreed staying with them was a safe environment where she could be looked after.
Ms Stewart’s husband David, a retired senior police officer, was called into the witness box and said he could provide a safe environment for his wife. He had no doubt she would not cause him or her children any difficulties and he would undertake to do everything to keep her safe. His wife had an extremely close relationship with her children whom they considered to be their best friend.
Judge Wilson said he was prepared to agree to the request and grant bail and said he hoped the defendant would be well looked after on her release.
The bodies of PC Buchanan and Mrs Howell were found in a car in Castlerock in May 1991 and a coroner’s court ruled both had committed suicide. But police reopened the investigation last week after the arrest of Dr Howell, a father of 10, and Ms Stewart, who had later remarried.
Dr Howell appeared in court today for just two minutes. Looking pale and drawn he was led handcuffed into the dock and replied “Yes” when asked if he understood the charges. He will appear in court again next Monday.
PA
