A man charged with killing an elderly charity worker nearly 20 years ago was questioned just after her murder, a court heard today.
Lily Smith (66), was strangled to death at her home on the outskirts of Belfast in October 1988. She had been beaten and her flat at Moveen House in the Dunmurry district ransacked.
The pensioner's body was only discovered when a local clergyman went to check on her after she failed to take her place in the choir at Lowe Presbyterian Church.
William Stevenson (43), appeared at Belfast Magistrate's Court accused of murdering Ms Smith, who was said to have devoted herself to charity work.
A detective said he could connect him with the crime.
Mr Stevenson, of Coast Road, Ballygally, Co Antrim, was arrested and charged yesterday.
Under cross examination by defence solicitor Michael Madden, Inspector Alan Dickson confirmed Mr Stevenson had been interviewed in 1988 and had stressed he was not involved.
Mr Madden told the court: "The defendant completely denied the allegations at the time.
"He has never tried to escape to another jurisdiction, he maintains his account and he hotly denies this charge."
Resident magistrate Ken Nixon remanded Mr Stevenson in custody to appear again on August 1st.