Woman in teenage murder case remanded

A magistrate issued a strong warning to the public gallery before another court appearance by a woman accused of murdering north…

A magistrate issued a strong warning to the public gallery before another court appearance by a woman accused of murdering north Belfast teenager Thomas McDonald by ramming her car into his bicycle.

Ms Alison McKeown (32), stared straight from the dock at magistrate, Mr Mark Hamill, turning her back on a grandfather and other relatives of the dead boy.

A 15-year-old juvenile stood outside the dock as the pair and a third accused, Mr Patrick Michael Auld (20), were remanded on continuing bail until December 12th.

Mr Auld's lawyer said a medical certificate would be submitted supporting his non-appearance for health reasons. He and the juvenile were passengers in Ms McKeown's car when it struck Thomas McDonald (16), in White City, Belfast. Both are accused of making untrue statements to police.