Murder quiz woman due in court on fraud charge

A WOMAN who was questioned about the murder of a Ballymena man is to appear in court today.

The 40-year-old victim, whose body was found in Devenagh Court on Thursday afternoon, has been named locally as Robin McMaster.

The PSNI said that a 53-yearold woman was arrested on suspicion of his murder and later released on bail.

But she was rearrested yesterday and has been charged with fraud by false representation.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held today as police continue to investigate the cirentire cumstances around Mr McMaster’s death.

Officers were still at the scene late yesterday afternoon and detectives continued to carry out door-to-door enquiries.

Yesterday, near the entrance to the block of flats where Mr McMaster’s body was found, candles and religious pictures had been put in place.

Neighbour Martin McAvoy described him as “fun-loving” and “happy-go-lucky”.

He said: “He was a good neighbour. It’s a pity we didn’t have more like him.

“It is a total shock, like a death in the family, because that is what it feels like.”

Billy McMaster posted on social media: “Thinking of my cuz and family circle at this sad time. God bless xx.”

Mid and East Antrim mayor Lindsay Millar said it was “upsetting” to hear of the death in Ballymena.

She added: “My sympathies go out to the victim’s family and friends.”

She encouraged anyone with information to contact police.

Ballymena SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan said: “I want to express my sympathy to the family of the man who has died and we know that the police are investigating this as a murder.

“Devenagh Court is a very quiet and settled area and the immediate neighbourhood and the community in Ballymena are very shocked.”

The councillor said there was sadness that a “relatively young life” had been brought to an end.

He appealed for anyone with information to get in touch with the police.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna, who is leading the investigation, said on Thursday night: “I want to appeal to anyone who has any information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 732 of 22/11/18.

“Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”