DI tells court he believed woman murdered

A police officer today told a court he was satisfied that Tyrone woman Attracta Harron was murdered.

Detective Inspector John Gilmore told Omagh Magistrates Court that he believed there was strong forensic evidence against Trevor William Hamilton, who is charged with her murder.

The court was told that Hamilton, aged 21, an unemployed student from Concess Road in Sion Mills, Co Tyrone made no reply when the charge of murder was put to him.

Mrs Harron, aged 65, a retired librarian from Strabane, Co Tyrone disappeared on December 11 after leaving mass in the neighbouring town of Lifford, Co Donegal.

Despite extensive searches on both sides of the border, her body has not been found.

Questioned by the defendant’s solicitor Michael Fahy, DI Gilmore said: “We have a preliminary report from a forensic scientist. I am of the view it is a very strong case.

He added: “We have not got a body but we are satisfied that a murder has occurred.”

The detective confirmed that Hamilton had denied involvement in Mrs Harron’s death during 25 police interviews held over three days.

Mr Fahy put it to him that the forensic evidence was of a purely preliminary nature and there was no direct evidence of a murder having been committed.

Mrs Harron’s brother Joseph O’Driscoll and sisters Carmel O’Mahoney and Dodum McDaid were in court to witness the defendant’s first court appearance.

When asked if he understood the charges, Hamilton, who was wearing jeans and a tee shirt, refused to answer.

Resident Magistrate Barney McElholm remanded him in custody to appear again at Strabane Magistrates Court on April 22.