A WOMAN appeared in court yesterday accused of murdering her husband in north Belfast.
Polish woman Teresa Rafacz (28), was charged by detectives investigating the death of Piotr Rafacz (29) last week.
She was joined in the dock at Belfast Magistrates Court by her brother Pawel Czop (26), of Clifton Crescent in the city, who is accused of trying to impede her apprehension or prosecution by moving the victim’s body.
Mr Rafacz, also a Polish national, was found dead on Saturday at a flat on Cliftonville Road, where the couple lived with their three-year-old son.
The court was told that when charged, Ms Rafacz replied: “I did not murder my husband.” A detective sergeant who said he could connect both accused with the offences opposed bail due to the risk of flight back to Poland.
The officer said Ms Rafacz came to Northern Ireland alone two years ago, and her husband and child joined her in January.
Questioned by the murder suspect’s lawyer, Pat Kelly, the detective confirmed she made no admissions during 17 interviews.
Mr Kelly described his client as the sole bread-winner in the family, and said her late husband suffered from epilepsy brought on by heavy drinking. He told the court: “She would state at interview his main injuries were when he was extremely drunk, she was trying to get him in one direction and he went the other.” It was alleged that she pushed the victim, causing him to hit the back of his head on the floor.
The detective replied: “Injuries were sustained not solely as a result of any fall that were inflicted by the defendant on the victim. It was quite a severe attack.”
Mr Czop’s lawyer, Jonathan Burke, said his client had been living in Northern Ireland for more than three years.
With further opposition to bail based on the risk of witness interference, District Judge Fiona Bagnall adjourned the application so more details could be provided.
Both accused will remain in custody until the case is heard again next week.