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22/10/2012
New Lead In Pensioner Murder Inquiry
Detectives investigating the murder of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson are following up a new lead.
The focus of the investigation into the murder of the 72-year-old man has now shifted to Antrim.
Checkpoints have been operating in the Antrim area as police begin talking to motorists and distributing leaflets to acquire more information.
Mr Acheson had been asleep with his wife Sheila on 30 April this year, when they were awoken by the sound of breaking glass.
When Mr Acheson got up to investigate, he went into the kitchen and was confronted by a male intruder, who demanded money. An altercation and struggle resulted in Mr Acheson falling to the floor.
He suffered a heart attack, which detectives say was brought about by stress.
The intruder went into the couple’s bedroom and threatened Mrs Acheson, who is 70 years of age and suffers from arthritis.
The man stole her purse and escaped with £375.
DCI Ian Harrison said: "I would remind people, and I believe there are individuals in the Antrim area who know who was involved in Bertie Acheson’s murder, that there is a £10,000 reward available from the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for Bertie’s murder.
"We are asking people to think back to Monday 30 April and the days immediately after that. Do you know anyone who travelled from their home in the Antrim area to Coleraine in the early hours of 30 April? Was there a man you know who was acting in an unusual manner or whose behaviour seemed suspicious? We will treat any information in the strictest confidence but we need the information."
Police can be contacted in Coleraine on 028 7028 0987 or through the Crimestoppers charity, on 0800 555 111.
(IT/CD)
The focus of the investigation into the murder of the 72-year-old man has now shifted to Antrim.
Checkpoints have been operating in the Antrim area as police begin talking to motorists and distributing leaflets to acquire more information.
Mr Acheson had been asleep with his wife Sheila on 30 April this year, when they were awoken by the sound of breaking glass.
When Mr Acheson got up to investigate, he went into the kitchen and was confronted by a male intruder, who demanded money. An altercation and struggle resulted in Mr Acheson falling to the floor.
He suffered a heart attack, which detectives say was brought about by stress.
The intruder went into the couple’s bedroom and threatened Mrs Acheson, who is 70 years of age and suffers from arthritis.
The man stole her purse and escaped with £375.
DCI Ian Harrison said: "I would remind people, and I believe there are individuals in the Antrim area who know who was involved in Bertie Acheson’s murder, that there is a £10,000 reward available from the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for Bertie’s murder.
"We are asking people to think back to Monday 30 April and the days immediately after that. Do you know anyone who travelled from their home in the Antrim area to Coleraine in the early hours of 30 April? Was there a man you know who was acting in an unusual manner or whose behaviour seemed suspicious? We will treat any information in the strictest confidence but we need the information."
Police can be contacted in Coleraine on 028 7028 0987 or through the Crimestoppers charity, on 0800 555 111.
(IT/CD)
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12 November 2012
Woman Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
A woman has been arrested by detectives over the murder of Coleraine man Bertie Acheson. The 22-year-old suspect was arrested today in the Antrim area and has been taken to the town’s police station. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of the pensioner at the end of October.
Woman Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
A woman has been arrested by detectives over the murder of Coleraine man Bertie Acheson. The 22-year-old suspect was arrested today in the Antrim area and has been taken to the town’s police station. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of the pensioner at the end of October.
31 October 2012
Man Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson. The man was arrested in the greater Belfast area this morning. He has been taken to Antrim police station for questioning. Police are also searching a property in Antrim.
Man Arrested Over Bertie Acheson Murder
Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the murder of Coleraine pensioner Bertie Acheson. The man was arrested in the greater Belfast area this morning. He has been taken to Antrim police station for questioning. Police are also searching a property in Antrim.
13 February 2014
Pair To Go On Trial For Bernie Acheson Murder
A husband and wife now face murder charges in connection with the death of a pensioner. Jennifer Toland, 24, and Paul Toland, 40, from County Antrim had previously been charges with manslaughter. Today the pair returned to Ballymena Magistrate's Court for trial on charges of murder and robbery.
Pair To Go On Trial For Bernie Acheson Murder
A husband and wife now face murder charges in connection with the death of a pensioner. Jennifer Toland, 24, and Paul Toland, 40, from County Antrim had previously been charges with manslaughter. Today the pair returned to Ballymena Magistrate's Court for trial on charges of murder and robbery.
12 August 2004
County Antrim man remanded on murder charge
A 34-year-old County Antrim man who appeared in Ballymena Magistrate's Court court today has been remanded in custody on a murder charge. Police said that the man, Dale Francis Kelly, 34, of The Roddens in Larne, had pleaded "not guilty" when the charge was put to him.
County Antrim man remanded on murder charge
A 34-year-old County Antrim man who appeared in Ballymena Magistrate's Court court today has been remanded in custody on a murder charge. Police said that the man, Dale Francis Kelly, 34, of The Roddens in Larne, had pleaded "not guilty" when the charge was put to him.
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