Stonemason 'categorically' denies murder accusations

In the North, the lawyer for a 66-year-old man accused of killing two women - in the same town - five years apart has told a court his client has "categorically" denied the accusations during questioning.

Leslie Ross is from Dromore in Co Down, where 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff and Margaret Weiss, who was 50, both died.

He is also facing a number of other serious charges.

Update at 12.30pm

He faces three other charges - including gross indecency with a child.

Solicitor Conleth Downey says his client denies the charges:

"Mr Ross has indicated that he categorically and vehemently denies all allegations of wrong-doing that has been pointed out to the court this morning," he said.

"And at the earliest opportunity he will robustly defend all matters."