'Bicycle murder' case adjourned

A forensic officer at the scene of the incident

Judgement in the case of a woman accused of murdering a teenager who threw a brick at her car in north Belfast has been adjourned until the New Year.

Alison Abagail McKeown denies murdering 16-year-old Thomas McDonald at a sectarian flashpoint of the Whitewell Road last September.

Ms McKeown, whose address cannot be reported by court order, was remanded on bail, but she was warned she could face a custodial sentence of some length.

The 33-year-old mother of six admits killing the schoolboy by dangerous driving, but denies murdering him.

It is alleged he was knocked from his bike by her car when she chased him after he had thrown half a brick at her windscreen.

A Crown lawyer told the court on Thursday that her decision to drive after the boy was "quite deliberate" and one which was done in anger.

However, defence counsel said although it had been a rash and dangerous act, it had been carried out in the heat of the moment.

Judgement has been reserved until 6 January.