Man accused of sister's murder to stand trial in October

A man is to stand trial later this year charged with murdering his sister.

James Stewart Moore, 87, of Clandeboye Place in Bangor, in County Down appeared at Belfast Crown Court from Maghaberry Prison for an arraignment hearing.

The body of 81-year-old Patricia "Patsy" Aust, a retired teacher, was found at a house in Hawthorne Court in Bangor, after police received a report of the death of a woman in June 2024.

When the charge was put to him Moore replied: "With respect to the court and the judge, I don't wish to enter a plea now."

His lawyer said that under the provisions of the Criminal Law Act 1967 a court can order a not guilty plea to be entered on behalf of a defendant who does enter a plea to the charge.

The lawyer said Moore had been represented throughout the proceedings by a solicitor and now had a senior counsel to represent him and added that he was inviting the judge to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of Moore.

The judge replied: "The defendant has been very polite and has indicated he doesn't wish to plead at this time, I think in the circumstance and according to the legislation I will enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.''

A trial date was listed for 5 October and the judge said she would review the case on 8 September.

There was no application for bail and Moore was remanded back into custody.