Forty-four-year-old man to stand trial accused of murdering woman in Magherafelt
A 44-year-old man has been returned for trial accused of killing a woman at Magherafelt just over a year ago.
Andrzej Pajaczkowski from Ashgrove Park, Magherafelt, is charged with the murder of Sophie Watson, who was 57, on August 18 last year.
Pajaczkowski also faces a charge of possessing a folding knife on the same date.
Prosecuting counsel told Magherafelt Magistrates Court, sitting in Derry/Londonderry Courthouse, on Wednesday the defendant has a prima facie case to answer.
When asked by the court clerk if he wished to say anything in answer to the charges, Pajaczkowski, who appeared in court via videolink from Maghaberry Prison, replied "no”.
He also replied “no” when asked if he wished to tender a written statement of evidence.
District Judge Conor Heaney said he was satisfied “on the papers” that there is a prima facie case to answer.
Pajaczkowski was remanded in custody until his arraignment at the Crown Court sitting in Laganside Courthouse, Belfast, on a date to be fixed.