Woman appears in court charged with man's murder

Patrick 'Paddy' Douglas died in hospital on Tuesday

A 34-year-old woman has appeared in court charged with murdering a man who died following a fire in Ballymoney in County Antrim.

Patrick 'Paddy' Douglas, a 55-year-old, who ran a tattoo business in the area for many years, died in hospital on Tuesday.

At Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Saturday, the judge said the woman accused of killing him could not be named for legal reasons.

During the brief hearing the woman spoke only to confirm her name.

Police told the court that forensic experts believed the fire may have been caused by direct ignition.

A defence lawyer argued the forensic report also said an electrical fault could have been to blame.

The fire happened on Main Street on Tuesday morning

No application was made for bail and the woman is due to appear again on 28 July.

Mr Douglas was found injured after emergency services were called to a blaze in Main Street in Ballymoney shortly before 07:00 BST on Tuesday.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building, put out the fire and removed Mr Douglas.

He died later that day.