Man charged with woman's murder

Victims' relatives attended the hearing

A 32-year-old east Belfast man has appeared in court charged with murder.

David Thomas McCord of Alford Park, Tullycarnet, in Dundonald, is charged with murdering Nichola Dixon.

Her body was found by her mother at a house on the Hillhead Road in Ballycarry near Larne last week.

Mr McCord was also charged with stealing jewellery and cash from 26-year-old Mrs Dixon and from two men on the same date.

A detective sergeant told the special sitting of Ballymena Magistrates Court on Saturday that when charged, Mr McCord made no reply and he believed he could connect him with the charges.

He said that after removing Mr McCord from the Royal Victoria Hospital - where he had been receiving treatment - he had been questioned for two days.

He was remanded in custody to appear again via video link on 23 January.