A 41-year-old man has appeared in court facing charges in connection with the death of a woman in County Antrim. Mary McAdorey was discovered deceased in a residence on Old Mill Drive in Newtownabbey on October 12, 2025.
George Paul Connor McWilliams, who has no fixed address, has been charged with offenses including non-fatal strangulation, domestic abuse, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A police officer informed Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday that McWilliams was Ms. McAdorey's partner at the time of her death. The officer stated that they could link the defendant to the charges.
McWilliams was initially apprehended in October 2025 and subsequently released on bail pending further investigation. According to the officer, these inquiries focused on information retrieved from Ms. McAdorey's mobile phone, which reportedly documented their relationship over a year and indicated patterns of domestic abuse. The prosecution argued that evidence from the phone, CCTV footage, and statements from Ms. McAdorey's family could connect McWilliams to the alleged offenses.
During the bail hearing, the officer requested that bail be opposed, describing the accused as a "violent offender" with a history of previous convictions and a flight risk. Concerns were also raised regarding issues with his probation officer. The judge denied bail, stating that it could not be considered without additional information.
The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on September 15.