Man in court on pensioner manslaughter charge

Paul James Toland (39), of The Cedars, is accused of the unlawful killing of the 72-year-old, who died from a heart attack following a break-in at his home on April 30.

A detective constable told Ballymena Magistrates Court that Toland has been interviewed on a number of occasions in recent week and had “at no time” made any admissions.

He was interviewed again at Antrim PSNI station yesterday but made no comment throughout, the court was told.

The police officer said that the prosecution case centred around elements of Toland’s DNA which were found on a brick outside the house which, the officer said, had been used to gain entry to Mr Acheson’s house.

She also said that police had evidence of the vehicle which Toland had access to being observed in the Antrim area and in the Coleraine area around the “material time” of the alleged offence.

Opposing bail, the officer said police were concerned that Toland would attempt to interfere with witnesses in the case, stating that the defendant had an “extensive and relevant criminal record which shows a propensity to dishonesty”.

A defending solicitor said: “There is a presumption of innocence which rests with Mr Toland.”

Refusing bail, District Judge Des Perry said there was a “serious risk” of interference with witness, particularly Mr Acheson’s wife Sheila who the judge described as being in “somewhat frail condition”.

“The flavour I get of this case is that of a burglary which has gone badly wrong,” the judge added.

Toland was remanded in custody to appear again via videolink on December 27.

Earlier at the same court, Toland’s estranged wife, Jennifer Toland (23), who is jointly charged with Mr Acheson’s manslaughter, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on February 7.