Veteran republican to stand trial over McConville murder

Veteran republican Ivor Bell will stand trial for involvement in the 1972 murder of mother of 10 Jean McConville, a judge in Northern Ireland has ruled.

Bell, 79, from Ramoan Gardens in west Belfast, is charged with aiding and abetting the kidnap, killing and secret burial of the widow.

The pensioner, who is also charged with IRA membership, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where he was told the high-profile case would proceed to the Crown Court.