Community in shock following arrest of man for the murder of Magherafelt woman

The community in Magherafelt is in shock today following the arrest of a man for the murder of Sophie Watson, a local councillor has said.

Sophie Watson, 57, was found unresponsive at the property in Ashgrove Park in Magherafelt on Sunday afternoon.

She had suffered a number of stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Andrzej Pajaczkowski, 43, also of Ashgrove Park in Magherafelt, appeared before a district judge on Wednesday morning via video-link from the Serious Custody Suite at Musgrave PSNI station in Belfast.

The Polish national spoke briefly at the outset of the short hearing to confirm his name, date of birth, address and that he understood the charge against him.

A detective constable told district judge Oonagh Mullan that she could connect the accused to the charge.

Pajaczkowski’s defence solicitor Eoghan McKenna noted to the judge that his client had replied “not guilty” after being charged.

He made no application for bail but said such an application may be made at a later point.

The judge remanded the accused in custody to appear before the same court, via videolink, on September 18.

SDLP councillor and Chair of Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership Christine McFlynn said that the murder of another woman underscores the urgent need to tackle violence against women and girls.

Cllr McFlynn said: “People in Magherafelt are shocked this morning. News of Sophie’s death on Sunday left the community reeling and the arrest of a man for murder today has compounded that feeling.

“Our thoughts are with Sophie’s family at this traumatic and tragic time. No one should have to deal with the loss of a loved one in these circumstances. 

"I want to thank the PSNI for their swift action and would encourage anyone with information to come forward to police. 

“The murder of another woman underlines again the need for us all to get to grips with the pandemic of violence against women and girls.

"No one should have to live in fear that they’ll be attacked, abused or killed and yet it’s far too often the case in our society. This must be an urgent priority.”

Women's Aid NI expressed their deepest condolences to the loved ones of Sophie Watson following the news of her tragic murder.

A spokesperson said: “Please know our thoughts are with you and the wider Magherafelt community during this incredibly difficult time.

“Sophie is the 21^st woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, the vast majority of whom are also killed in their own home.

“If you have any information that can help the police with their investigation, no matter how insignificant you think it is, please contact the PSNI by calling '101'.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting information to their website: crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Detectives have said they are continuing their inquiries into the murder and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward to them or anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers.