LATEST: Howell and Stewart returned for trial

A dentist and his ex-lover accused of murdering their partners almost 19 years ago have been sent for trial.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Apr 2010, 15:17 BST

Colin Howell, 51, and Hazel Stewart, 47, who stood in the dock for a preliminary inquiry at North Antrim Magistrates' Court in Coleraine this morning, were told they had a case to answer by deputy District Judge Jim McFarland.

They are due to appear again at Antrim Crown Court on May 11, but it is expected to be later this year - probably September at the earliest - before the trial goes ahead.

Howell and Stewart are charged again with murdering Hoiwell's wife Lesley, 31, and Stewart's husband, Trevor Trevor Buchanan, 31, in May 1991.

Their bodies were found in a car filled with exhaust fumes at a garage behind a row of houses known as The Apostles in Castlerock, Co Londonderry.

Coleraine