AN ELDERLY COUPLE have denied the unlawful killing of their disabled granddaughter.

David Johnston (87) and his wife Sarah Johnston (84) deny killing 14-year-old Rebecca McKeown, today’s The Irish News reports.

The paper says the couple, who are from Carwood Drive, Glengormley, Co Antrim, are charged with the manslaughter of Rebecca and of cruelty towards her.

The couple deny all charges.

Their granddaughter was born blind and unable to speak.

She died in hospital on 24 March 2001.

A trial date has been set for November at Belfast Crown Court and the case will “centre around medical evidence”.

For more information read this story on page 12 of today’s The Irish News>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More