High Court judge gives murder accused Rhona Grace one last chance at bail
Rhona Gracey (34) is accused of killing 75-year-old Daniel Guyler, who was found with serious injuries nearly three years ago and died nearly 10 months later.
A second woman, 45-year-old Sharon Harland, is also charged with his murder.
Gracey, now of Chobham Street in Belfast, had been returned to custody last month for allegedly breaching an alcohol ban.
Prosecutors claimed she was nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit when police carried out a bail check at her home on February 13.
She also tried to shut the door on officers and called them “black b*******”, it was contended.
Defence barrister Tom McCreanor described the incident as an “aberration” after his client had complied with the terms of her release from custody.
Gracey and Harland, of Baltimore House in Derry, were charged as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Guyler’s death.
Emergency services discovered Mr Guyler in the Termon Street area of Derry on July 23, 2018.
He never regained consciousness, dying in hospital on May 1, 2019.
The court heard he had sustained a head injury, with a doctor who examined him concluding that he had either fallen repeatedly from a height or been attacked.
Prosecution counsel said the victim was also robbed of his wallet containing £400.
Although no-one saw the pensioner being assaulted, witnesses alleged the two defendants were with him shortly before the incident.
At the time both women were said to have lived in hostel accommodation and drank in the area of the alleged attack.
The pair had been detained at the time, but initial assault charges were not pursued.
However, the prosecution contended that forensic evidence now links them to Mr Guyler.
Blood from the deceased was allegedly found on Gracey’s clothing and Harland’s shoes.
During police interviews the defendants either made no comment or said they could not remember the incident.
Granting bail to Gracey again, Mr Justice Rooney said: “I’m prepared to give the applicant one last chance.
“If there’s a further breach of whatever nature… the court probably won’t be as sympathetic the next time.”
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