Castlerock murder trial is put back

The trial of Colin Howell and Hazel Stewart has been put back

The trial of dentist Colin Howell and his former lover, Hazel Stewart, who are accused of the murders of their respective partners has been put back a further three weeks.

The trial was due to start on 1 November, but a judge is allowing the defence more time to prepare psychiatric reports.

The bodies of Colin Howell's wife Leslie and Hazel Stewart's husband, Trevor Buchanan, were found in a fume-filled car in Castlerock in May 1991.

A coroner originally ruled that Mrs Howell and RUC constable Mr Buchanan had taken their own lives, but the case was reopened last year after new information was given to the police.

Mr Howell, from Castlerock and Mrs Stewart, of Coleraine, deny murdering their spouses.