Fresh inquest into dentist deaths

NORTHERN Ireland’s Attorney General has ordered a fresh inquest into the deaths of two people murdered by dentist Colin Howell and his lover.

John Larkin QC wants a review of the case of Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell. The original inquest ruled they died from suicide in May 1991. However, it later emerged Howell, aged 52, and Hazel Stewart, aged 48, gassed their partners and concocted an elaborate story to escape detection.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled in Belfast for May 4 when arrangements will be made for a full inquest by senior coroner John Leckey.