Murder charge against son dropped

Annie McCartan had been celebrating her 75th birthday

A man accused of murdering his mother has had charges against him dropped.

Annie McCartan, 75, was found murdered in her Summer Hill home in Warrenpoint. She had been beaten and stabbed.

Her son David and his wife Geraldine walked free from court in Newry after the prosecution withdrew all charges because of lack of evidence.

Mr McCartan said: "Although we have been vindicated with all charges against us dropped, my mum was murdered and her killers have not been found."

The murder was featured in a BBC Crimewatch reconstruction of the pensioner's last known movements.

It's hard to express how anybody could be through a greater ordeal than to be charged with the murder of your mother Ciaran Rafferty Defence solicitor

It is believed Mrs McCartan was preparing food in the kitchen of her home, when she was attacked and killed in June 2006. She had been celebrating her 75th birthday.

In a statement read outside court, Mr McCartan said: "Our family has been destroyed and we now want time and space to rebuild it.

"We want to thank all our family and friends for their loyal support.

"I loved my mum, we were a close family - we have always protested our innocence."

His solicitor Ciaran Rafferty said: "It's hard to express how anybody could be through a greater ordeal than to be charged with the murder of your mother.

"This man has faced very stringent bail conditions, he has faced social, financial and family turmoil.

"Today, at least there is a chapter that has been completed and he can begin to rebuild his life."