A teenager will stand trial for the murder of a Banbridge woman on Christmas Day 2017.
Nineteen-year-old Nathan Ward pleaded not guilty to the murder of the Craigavon Hospital nurse during a sitting of Belfast Crown Court today (Friday).
The 43-year-old victim was was repeatedly stabbed at her home in Mornington Lane, Lisburn.
Ward, of Mornington Lane, Lisburn, also denied the attempted murder of the victim’s daughter Charlotte on the same date.
He also entered a not guilty plea to unlawfully and maliciously wounding his father, Joseph Tweedie, with intent to cause him grievous bodily.
The trial was set for February, 11, 2019 and is expected to last up to three weeks.
Following her mother’s untimely passing, daughter Charlotte, posted a tribute on Facebook: “I can still feel her in my arms and hear her screams of pain and see the panic on her face.
“Jayne Toal Reat, you died saving my life and I just wish I could trade places with you. You’re my hero forever and always and I’ll never forget you and I promise I will get you justice.”
