County Antrim man found guilty of manslaughter

A County Antrim man accused of killing a Nigerian woman on the holiday island of Gran Canaria has been convicted of manslaughter.

Vincent Traynor, 20, from Loughguile, had denied murdering 23-year-old Stella Omeregie, whose body was found on Cochino beach, following a row over money.

A jury of 11, with 10 men and one woman passed the verdict on Saturday.

Forensic experts told the court Omeregie had been beaten about the head before being strangled, which resulted in her death.

The prosecution team have asked that Traynor serve at least 15 years, however the defence have argued that a 10-year sentence would be satisfactory as it was the man’s first offence.

The accused admitted he had been with the victim, and although he had struck her during an argument, he insisted she was still alive when he saw her last.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

(JM/SP)