Murder accused faces sex inquiry

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A man accused of a double murder in Castlerock 18 years ago is to be questioned by police about sexual offences.

An application was made to question Colin Howell about the offences at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 50-year-old dentist from Sea Road, Castlerock, is charged with the double murder of his wife Lesley and RUC officer Trevor Buchanan.

Their bodies were found in a fume-filled car in Castlerock on 5 May 1991.

At the time, a coroner's court ruled that both had committed suicide

Mr Buchanan's former wife Hazel Stewart is also charged with the murders.

Indecent

During a hearing at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday morning, police applied to question Mr Howell about two indecent assaults, other sexual offences and other offences the defendant was said to want to speak to the police about.

A district judge granted the application. The police now have three days to question him.

The defendant will appear at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday. Mrs Stewart remains on bail.