Menu
05/10/2015
Convicted Killer And Rapist Robert Howard Dies
Convicted killer and rapist Robert Howard has died while he was in prison custody at a hospital in England.
Howard, 71, was given a life sentence for raping and murdering 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London. Her body was discovered in 2002.
He was also a suspect in the murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson from County Tyrone in 1994.
Howard was last seen with Arlene before she disappeared after a night out at a disco in Co Donegal. Eleven years later he was acquitted of her murder.
However, Howard was due to give evidence at the re-ordered inquest into Arlene's death in Belfast.
He is believed to have died from natural causes.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service division of the UK's Ministry of Justice said: "HMP Frankland prisoner Robert Howard was pronounced dead in hospital at 1.55pm on Friday.
"As with all deaths in custody there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."
Arlene's body has never been recovered.
Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the PSNI to release all documents in relation to the Arlene Arkinson murder to the coroner so the inquest can proceed.
Mr Doherty said: "Given the fact that a former leading detective in the case has stated he was certain Robert Howard was responsible for the murder of Arlene Arkinson it is now time for the PSNI to release all files relating to the case to the coroner.
"At a recent hearing the PSNI applied for a Public Interest Immunity (PII) to withhold three files being made available to the Coroner.
"I have raised the question as to why they applied for these PII's and who was the PSNI attempting to protect. These files must be released now given the death of Robert Howard.
"The Arkinson family deserve answers about what happened to Arlene and help in recovering her remains."
(CD/JP)
Howard, 71, was given a life sentence for raping and murdering 14-year-old Hannah Williams from London. Her body was discovered in 2002.
He was also a suspect in the murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson from County Tyrone in 1994.
Howard was last seen with Arlene before she disappeared after a night out at a disco in Co Donegal. Eleven years later he was acquitted of her murder.
However, Howard was due to give evidence at the re-ordered inquest into Arlene's death in Belfast.
He is believed to have died from natural causes.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service division of the UK's Ministry of Justice said: "HMP Frankland prisoner Robert Howard was pronounced dead in hospital at 1.55pm on Friday.
"As with all deaths in custody there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."
Arlene's body has never been recovered.
Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the PSNI to release all documents in relation to the Arlene Arkinson murder to the coroner so the inquest can proceed.
Mr Doherty said: "Given the fact that a former leading detective in the case has stated he was certain Robert Howard was responsible for the murder of Arlene Arkinson it is now time for the PSNI to release all files relating to the case to the coroner.
"At a recent hearing the PSNI applied for a Public Interest Immunity (PII) to withhold three files being made available to the Coroner.
"I have raised the question as to why they applied for these PII's and who was the PSNI attempting to protect. These files must be released now given the death of Robert Howard.
"The Arkinson family deserve answers about what happened to Arlene and help in recovering her remains."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
12 December 2006
Man acquitted of Arlene murder could face retrial
The man who was acquitted of the murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson in 1994, could face retrial. Searches for the teenager's body have today resumed and the Public Prosecution Service has said that if a body is found, then Robert Lesarian Howard, who was cleared of the murder in 2005, could face retrial.
Man acquitted of Arlene murder could face retrial
The man who was acquitted of the murder of 15-year-old Arlene Arkinson in 1994, could face retrial. Searches for the teenager's body have today resumed and the Public Prosecution Service has said that if a body is found, then Robert Lesarian Howard, who was cleared of the murder in 2005, could face retrial.
13 January 2016
Convicted Child Killer Robert Black Dies In Prison
Convicted child killer Robert Black has died in Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, aged 68. Black was serving 12 life sentences for murdering four young girls in the 1980s. He was also suspected of other killings. In 2011 he was given another life sentence for the abduction and murder of Jennifer Cardy.
Convicted Child Killer Robert Black Dies In Prison
Convicted child killer Robert Black has died in Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, aged 68. Black was serving 12 life sentences for murdering four young girls in the 1980s. He was also suspected of other killings. In 2011 he was given another life sentence for the abduction and murder of Jennifer Cardy.
15 February 2016
Inquest Into Arlene Arkinson's Murder Begins
The SDLP said the actions of the police in the murdered teenager Arlene Arkinson case raises very serious issues that need urgent answers. The inquest into the murder of Arlene Arkinson, 15, has begun at the Laganside Court complex in Belfast. Arlene disappeared in August 1994 after a night out at a disco in Co Donegal.
Inquest Into Arlene Arkinson's Murder Begins
The SDLP said the actions of the police in the murdered teenager Arlene Arkinson case raises very serious issues that need urgent answers. The inquest into the murder of Arlene Arkinson, 15, has begun at the Laganside Court complex in Belfast. Arlene disappeared in August 1994 after a night out at a disco in Co Donegal.
16 January 2018
Cllr Carole Howard Appointed New High Sheriff Of Belfast
Councillor Carole Howard has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast, succeeding Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the 12th woman to hold the position.
Cllr Carole Howard Appointed New High Sheriff Of Belfast
Councillor Carole Howard has been sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Belfast, succeeding Alderman Tom Haire to become the 118th High Sheriff of the city and the 12th woman to hold the position.
-
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.
