Murder accused injected heroin at pensioner's house, court told

Margaret Henderson, 30, claims she inflicted the fatal wounds to Eddie Girvan in self-defence when he brandished a sword during a row at the house in Greenisland, Co Antrim.

Details emerged as she was refused bail on a charge of murdering the 67-year-old on January 18 this year.

Prosecutors said Mr Girvan’s body was discovered tied up and seated inside his home on Station Road where he collected antiques and jewellery.

He had stab wounds to his chest and his shorts were round his ankles.

Officers had gone to the address to investigate a suspected burglary linked to a hit-and-run road collision at Donegall Quay in Belfast.

A Hyundai car belonging to the victim is believed to have been involved in the accident.

Henderson, a mother-of-two who was staying in a hostel on Verner Street in the city, had been arrested at that time on a separate bench warrant.

While she was being taken into custody police found keys for the Hyundai and a satellite navigation system registered to Mr Girvan’s address, the court heard.

The vehicle was later recovered outside the hostel.

During police interviews Henderson allegedly admitted stabbing the pensioner, taking his car and also a gold chain she coerced others into pawning for her at a shop in Belfast.

Prosecution counsel said Henderson claimed to have been with Mr Girvan when an argument led to him producing a sword and pointing it at her.

“She said she stabbed him with a knife used to cut cakes and then tied his hands and gagged him with kitchen roll to stop him shouting,” the barrister continued.

“She then stated that she injected herself with heroin at his house, stole his car and key, drove his vehicle which was involved in a collision on Donegall Quay and drove off back to her address where she was arrested.”

As part of opposition to bail it was claimed that Henderson’s drug addiction may lead to further offences.

A defence lawyer confirmed his client denies the murder charge.

“Based on the facts outlined this was certainly not a frenzied attack,” he said.

“Ms Henderson describes being in fear, she describes being scared and she explains that her actions were in self-defence.”

The court was told that the accused’s continued addiction is linked to a family tragedy, but that she has been drug-free and achieved stability in her life since going into custody.

But denying bail, Mrs Justice Keegan cited the risks of re-offending and potential interference with the course of justice.