Co Londonderry man charged with murder

A Co Londonderry man has been remanded in custody accused of murdering a 21-year-old woman.

Jonathan James Cresswell, 33, of Briar Hill Gardens, Greysteel, has been charged with the murder of Katie Simpson on August 3 2020.

Appearing by videolink at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning, Cresswell confirmed he understood the charge against him.

He was refused bail on the grounds of risk of reoffending, risk of flight and risk of interference with witnesses and the police investigation.

"I am satisfied that the defendant's previous conviction regarding a serious domestic assault does give rise to a risk of reoffending when one compares it to the facts of this case, and his previous actions in terms of leaving the jurisdiction when being sought by police also gives rise to a risk of flight,'' a district judge ruled.

"His actions since August 3 2020 also gives rise to a concern regarding risk of interference with witnesses and the police investigation.

"I find that they cannot be managed by bail conditions and as a result bail is refused due to risk of reoffending, risk of flight and risk of interference with witnesses and/or police investigation.''

Cresswell will face Londonderry Magistrates' Court by videolink on April 1.