Man charged with murder of 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell in Derry remanded into custody
Ciaran Murray (28) of Gortfoyle Place in Derry appeared by Sightlink from Musgrave Street custody suite
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with the murder of 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell who was found dead following a fire in a house in Harvey Street.
Ciaran Murray (28) of Gortfoyle Place in Derry appeared by Sightlink from Musgrave Street custody suite.
He was charged with the murder of Ms Martorell on August 24.
He was further charged with the rape of the woman on the same date and a charge of arson with intent to endanger life of a property at 10 Harvey Street in Derry again on the same date.
Murray only spoke briefly to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges.
A PSNI Detective Inspector said she could connect the accused to the charges.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that he had no questions for the Inspector and added that there would be no application for bail 'certainly not at this time.'
He asked for an adjournment for a period of 4 weeks and said there would be no need for the defendant to appear then.
Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers told Murray that he was being remanded in custody and told him to keep in touch with his legal representatives.
Murray was remanded in custody to appear again on September 26.