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08/02/2013
Hazel Stewart Was 'Knowing And Willing' Accomplice
The Appeal Court has ruled Hazel Stewart was a "knowing and willing" participant in the murder of her husband and her former lover’s wife, the BBC has reported.
Three senior judges have concluded she supported the double murder, carried out by former dentist Colin Howell, by providing him with assistance.
49-year-old Stewart was jailed for at least 18 years in 2011 for the murder of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell.
Stewart and Howell had managed to fool detectives the deaths were part of a suicide pact carried out by their spouses after discovering they had been having an affair.
The victims were found in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, County L’Derry, in May 1991.
It was subsequently discovered the two were murdered and their bodies arranged to make it look like they had taken their own lives.
It was almost twenty years before Stewart's former lover, 52-year-old Colin Howell, confessed to both killings.
He pleaded guilty to the murders in 2010 and is serving a minimum of 21 years in prison.
Earlier this year, the court refused Stewart's appeal for the murder of Lesley Howell.
Judges said today Stewart had backed Howell’s plan to murder their spouses and to allow their relationship to continue.
It was found she had allowed Howell into her home to kill her drugged husband, had disposed of a hose pipe used to gas their victims, had cleaned up the murder scene and provided false alibis to police.
(IT)
Three senior judges have concluded she supported the double murder, carried out by former dentist Colin Howell, by providing him with assistance.
49-year-old Stewart was jailed for at least 18 years in 2011 for the murder of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell.
Stewart and Howell had managed to fool detectives the deaths were part of a suicide pact carried out by their spouses after discovering they had been having an affair.
The victims were found in a fume-filled garage in Castlerock, County L’Derry, in May 1991.
It was subsequently discovered the two were murdered and their bodies arranged to make it look like they had taken their own lives.
It was almost twenty years before Stewart's former lover, 52-year-old Colin Howell, confessed to both killings.
He pleaded guilty to the murders in 2010 and is serving a minimum of 21 years in prison.
Earlier this year, the court refused Stewart's appeal for the murder of Lesley Howell.
Judges said today Stewart had backed Howell’s plan to murder their spouses and to allow their relationship to continue.
It was found she had allowed Howell into her home to kill her drugged husband, had disposed of a hose pipe used to gas their victims, had cleaned up the murder scene and provided false alibis to police.
(IT)
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Killer Dentist 'Used Gas To Sedate Lovers'
A high profile murder trial has heard that the accused, Hazel Stewart, feared her former lover - a dentist - gave her too much laughing gas before a sex session on his dentist's chair. Mrs Stewart, 47, is denying murdering her husband, Trevor Buchanan, 32, and her former lover Colin Howell's wife, Leslie, 31, in May 1991.
Killer Dentist 'Used Gas To Sedate Lovers'
A high profile murder trial has heard that the accused, Hazel Stewart, feared her former lover - a dentist - gave her too much laughing gas before a sex session on his dentist's chair. Mrs Stewart, 47, is denying murdering her husband, Trevor Buchanan, 32, and her former lover Colin Howell's wife, Leslie, 31, in May 1991.
15 February 2011
Bizarre Double Murder Trial Continues
Defence counsel for a Co Londonderry woman accused of freely taking part in the plot to kill her own husband and her then lover's wife, have claimed that dentist Colin Howell was forcing the accused, Hazel Stewart against her will to be complicit in the deadly plot.
Bizarre Double Murder Trial Continues
Defence counsel for a Co Londonderry woman accused of freely taking part in the plot to kill her own husband and her then lover's wife, have claimed that dentist Colin Howell was forcing the accused, Hazel Stewart against her will to be complicit in the deadly plot.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
