Man denies murdering pensioner

Lillie Smyth was found strangled in her home

A County Antrim man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a Belfast pensioner almost 20 years ago.

William James Stevenson, 43, of Coast Road, Ballygally, denies killing Elizabeth Smith on 9 October 1988.

The 66-year-old, who was known as Lillie, was found strangled in her flat at Moveen House, Finaghy.

A defence solicitor said Mr Stevenson was interviewed in connection with the murder 19 years ago and that he maintained his account of events.

A detective inspector told Belfast Magistrates Court that he believed he could connect Mr Stevenson to the charge.

Cross-examined by a defence solicitor, the inspector confirmed that Mr Stevenson had been interviewed in 1988 about the killing and had denied having anything to do with it.

Mr Madden told the court: "My client was interviewed about this 19 years ago and completely denied the allegations at the time.

"He had never tried to escape the jurisdiction and he hotly denies this charge."

Mr Stevenson was remanded in custody until 8 August.