26/04/2012

Elderly Couple's Grandson 'Was Once A Murder Suspect'

The trial of an elderly couple accused of killing their severely disabled grandchild, Rebecca McKeown, has heard their grandson had been arrested of suspicion of murdering her.

Stewart McKeown was not charged at the time in relation to his sisters death. Rebecca died aged 14 in 2001.

Her mother, Cheryl McKeown, has been giving evidence at Belfast Crown Court.

David Johnston, 88, and his wife Sarah, 86, from Glengormley, deny manslaughter and child cruelty.

Cheryl said that she was shocked the case was being reopened in 2008.

Under cross-examination from a defence barrister, she said she was interviewed in January 2008 about Rebecca's death.

Rebecca died in hospital after developing pneumonia.

The trial continues.

(CD/GK)

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