Two woemen face Derry courthouse over murder of pensioner
Daniel Guyler, 75, was found with serious injuries in Termon Street in the Waterside area of the city at about 8.45 pm on July 23, 2018.
Sadly, he died in hospital on May 1, 2019.
Appearing at Derry Magistrates’ Court today were Sharon Mary Faustina Harland, (44), of Baltimore House in Derry, and 33-year-old Rhona Mary Gracey, of Coven Street, Belfast, are charged with his murder.
They are further charged with robbing the 75-year-old of a wallet containing £400 on July 23, 2018.
The court heard that the pensioner was found unconscious and badly injured on that date.
He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Mr Guyler never regained consciousness and sadly passed away in May, 2019.
The court was told Harland and Gracey were arrested in July 2018 and initially charged with assaulting the pensioner.
However, during their first appearance in court the PPS decided to proceed by way of report.
They were arrested again earlier this week on suspicion of the pensioner’s murder.
Harland allegedly claimed during police interview she could not remember the night in question, while Gracey made no comment.
An investigating officer said a number of witnesses have come forward placing both defendants at the scene.
She added that there is ‘very strong’ forensic evidence, including the victim’s blood on items of clothing and shoes.
Opposing bail, the officer said that police have concerns the defendants will commit further offences as both women have considerable records and have both been convicted of a serious assault in the past.
District Judge Peter Magill granted the defendants bail to reside at addresses approved by the PSNI.
He banned Harland and Gracey from having any contact with witnesses and from consuming alcohol or non prescribed drugs.
However, both women were remanded in custody after the Public Prosecution Service said it will appeal the decision to release the two women on bail at the High Court in Belfast by remote hearing at a later date.
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