Anne O'Neill: Son charged with mother's murder in Belfast

By Alan Erwin

A doctor was remanded in custody today charged with murdering his mother in Belfast.

Anne O'Neill, 51, died after an alleged attack at a house in the Finaghy area of the city on Saturday.

Neighbours reported hearing a woman's scream at the time of the incident on Ardmore Avenue.

Declan Kevin O'Neill, 27, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court to face one count of murdering Mrs O'Neill.

The accused, of Malone Avenue in the city, is the victim's son, sources have confirmed.

He is understood to have worked as a doctor at a hospital in Belfast.

O'Neill, who denies the charge, entered the dock dressed in a grey sweatshirt and trousers.

Asked if he understood the allegation against him, he nodded and replied: "Yes."

An investigating detective said she could connect him to the charge.

No further details were disclosed during the brief hearing.

A defence lawyer confirmed he was not seeking bail or putting any questions to the detective at this stage.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded O'Neill in custody to appear again by video-link in four weeks time. ends