A man charged with murdering his wife was refused bail yesterday to spend Christmas with his children. Mr John Michael Crossan (36), Clonliffe Park, Derry, has been in custody since October accused of murdering his 28-year-old wife Caroline.
She died in hospital several days after a chip pan went on fire in the family home. In the High Court in Belfast a Crown lawyer opposed Mr Crossan's application for compassionate bail until next Monday.
He said although Mr Crossan claimed the chip pan fire was an accident, there was a strong prima facie case against him.
Mr Crossan's lawyer said police fears that he might influence his children's statements were groundless as they were already visiting him regularly in prison.
Mr Justice Shiel refused the application.