Death of Ballymena man no longer being treated as murder

POLICE are no longer treating the death of a 40-year-old man at a house in Ballymena as murder.

Robin McMaster’s body was found at his flat in Devenagh Court on November 22.

Yesterday, detective chief inspector Peter McKenna said: “Following our enquiries, we are no longer treating this is as a murder investigation.

“CID detectives are, however, continuing to look into the circumstances of his death.”

Earlier yesterday, a court heard that a woman arrested by police investigating the death was due to be assessed to see if she was suitable for admission to a psychiatric hospital.

Anglea Irwin, whose address was given as the same as Mr McMaster’s, is charged with

Probe: Robin McMaster

fraudulently ordering prescription medication by false representation on November 21 or November 22.

Defence solicitor Nigel McIlrath said it was hoped a bed could be secured at Holywell Hospital in Antrim “at the start of the week”.

Irwin had been granted bail with a condition that she must reside at Holywell.

However, it emerged at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court yesterday that she had been remanded in custody to Hydebank Prison, from where she appeared via video-link.

The 55-year-old spoke only to give her name and confirm that she could hear what was being said.

Mr McIlrath told the court a doctor was due to see the defendant to assess whether she was suitable for admission to Holywell.

Adjourning the case until December 20, District Judge Nigel Broderick said there was consent between the defence and prosecution for Irwin to be admitted to the hospital if deemed appropriate, or to be released on bail to an address approved by police.