Man Charged with Sister's Murder to Face Trial
James Stewart Moore, 87, of Clandeboye Place in Bangor, County Down, is scheduled to stand trial later this year on charges of murdering his sister.
Moore appeared at Belfast Crown Court from Maghaberry Prison for an arraignment hearing. The victim, 81-year-old Patsy Aust, a retired teacher, was found deceased at a residence in Hawthorne Court, Bangor, following a police report concerning the death of a woman in June 2024.
During the hearing, when the charge was read to Moore, he responded:
"With respect to the court and the judge, I don't wish to enter a plea now."
Moore's lawyer explained that under the Criminal Law Act 1967, the court may enter a not guilty plea on behalf of a defendant who does not enter a plea. The lawyer further stated that Moore had been represented by a solicitor throughout the proceedings and now had senior counsel appointed to represent him. The defense invited the judge to enter a not guilty plea on Moore's behalf.
The judge responded:
"The defendant has been very polite and has indicated he doesn't wish to plead at this time, I think in the circumstance and according to the legislation I will enter a not guilty plea on his behalf."
A trial date was set for 5 October 2024, with the judge scheduling a case review on 8 September 2024. There was no application for bail, and Moore was remanded in custody.
