Ex-policeman from Carrick charged with murder
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
A FORMER police inspector from Carrickfergus has been charged with murdering an elderly woman more than 20 years ago.
Annabella Symington, 80, was found strangled at her home at Willesden Park, in the Stranmillis area of Belfast, on Halloween night in 1989.
Kenneth McConnell, 58, from Prospect Downs in Carrickfergus, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court last Friday (January 29).
McConnell, who now works as a security guard at the University of Ulster, is accused of her murder.
During cross-examination, a detective revealed that officers had found a suicide note at Mr McConnell's home.
The detective inspector also said she could connect him with the murder.
Mr McConnell's defence barrister asked the detective if she knew about his client's psychiatric background.
The officer told the court she was not aware of it. Continuing his cross-examination, the barrister asked: "Can you confirm there was a suicide note found at the defendant's home address?"
In reply, the detective said police had discovered a note dated from 2007.
Mr McConnell, who left the RUC around 1990, spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him and did not apply for bail.
He will appear in court again via video-link later this month.
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
