Woman denies role in husband's murder

The wife of an engineer found dead in his car was charged with murdering him after police compiled a major dossier of forensic evidence and witness statements, a court heard today.

Father-of-two Paul Crymble (aged 35) died of asphyxiation after being abducted from his home in Co Armagh in June.

His wife Jacqueline (aged 33) and Roger Ferguson (aged 29) were accused of the murder following more than 100 police interviews.

The pair denied any involvement during a brief appearance at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court, held in Newry, Co Down.

Mr Crymble’s body was found in his Seat Ibiza on a country lane off the main Portadown to Markethill road.

Four masked men, one armed with a handgun, had taken him from his home on Ballybreagh Road, Richhill, as he returned from a night out with his wife.

Wearing a grey fleece top, Mrs Crymble of Eden Kennedy Way, Markethill, listened intently as a detective said he could connect both accused with the offence.

Inspector Richard Harkness confirmed she had consistently denied the allegation during more than 50 questioning sessions.

“However, investigating police are not depending solely upon evidence obtained in interview,” he stressed.

“There’s a strong circumstantial and forensic-based case against the accused. There’s also a considerable quantity of witness evidence.”

Ferguson, from Cabragh Road, Markethill, appeared in the dock shaven-headed, wearing jeans and a blue and yellow tracksuit top.

When charged, he replied: “I know nothing about the murder of Paul Crymble,” the court heard.

But Mr Harkness disclosed that detectives had built up a file of forensic, witness and circumstantial evidence against him.

He confirmed that Ferguson was originally held for three days after the body was found on June 21 and interviewed 32 times.

His defence lawyer told the court he had supplied police with an account of his movements for the time of the murder.

But Mr Harkness insisted police believed he was lying.

Asked about his relatives backing up his whereabouts, the detective added: “Police do not accept the support given to this accused by his family.”

New evidence had emerged which led officers to re-arrest him on Monday and carry out another 23 interviews before putting the charge to him, the court was told.

During questioning, Mr Ferguson continued to deny any involvement, but Mr Harkness said: “Investigating police are not solely dependent upon evidence obtained at these interviews.”

The two accused were remanded in custody to appear again via video link at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on November 2.