Derry man charged with woman's murder refused compassionate bail

A man charged with the murder of a woman in August last year has been refused compassionate bail at Derry Magistrates' Court. 

Ciaran Murray (29) of Gortfoyle Place in Derry is charged with the murder of Montserrat Elias on August 24 last year.

He is also charged with rape and arson on the same date after Ms Ella's's body was found in a burning house in Harvey Street.

At today's hearing the court was told that Murray was seeking compassionate bail following the death of a close relative. 

The defendant has been in custody since last August.

The application was refused and Murray will appear again on October 30.