Murder accused woman is given a final warning after bail breach

A WOMAN charged with the murder of a pensioner in Londonderry is on her final chance at bail, a High Court judge has warned.

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, 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 the legal drink-drive limit when police carried out a bail check at her home on February 13.

She 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 and died in hospital in May 2019.

The court heard he had sustained a head injury, with a doctor concluding he had either fallen repeatedly from height or been attacked.

Prosecution counsel said the victim was robbed of his wallet, which contained £400.

Although no one saw the pensioner being assaulted, witnesses alleged the defendants were with him shortly before the incident.

Both women were said to have lived in hostel accommodation and drank in the area of the alleged attack.

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.”