21/04/2008

Grace Moore Murder Accused Remanded

The shocking murder of a west Belfast woman two years ago was recalled in court last week.

As a result, a Nigerian national is due to stand trial this autumn for the rape and murder of shop assistant Grace Moore in 2006.

Emmanuelle Alauya was originally charged last month with killing the Belfast mother-of-one, whose body was found in the kitchen of the Erris Grove home she shared with her daughter.

At Belfast Crown Court on Friday Alauya's barrister argued for the rape charge to be thrown out.

Alauya, from Churchfield, Carlow, in the Republic, also denied stealing personal effects and household items belonging to the 38-year-old west Belfast woman.

But, after hearing the arguments, Mr Justice Hart said he was satisfied for Alauya to be charged with rape.

Alauya was then charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with Ms Moore on November 18, 2006 - to which he replied "not guilty".

Mr Hart said he would review the case on June 13 and remanded Alauya in custody.

Meanwhile, last weekend, some 300 people gathered at the scene of a separate brutal rape to show solidarity with a young victim.

The people rallied in the Colin Glen Forest Park in west Belfast where a tourist was sexually attacked in broad daylight last weekend.

A youth of 15 has been arrested in connection with the offence.

(BMcC)

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