Man Admits to Killing Spanish National in Londonderry, Court Hears
Ciaran Edward Murray pleads guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder during a Belfast Crown Court appearance.
A 30-year-old man has admitted to killing a 65-year-old Spanish national whose body was discovered in a Londonderry flat following a blaze more than two years ago. Ciaran Edward Murray, of Malvern Terrace in the Waterside area of Londonderry, appeared via video link before Belfast Crown Court on Friday.
When the charge of murder was put to him, Murray replied, "Not guilty, but guilty to manslaughter." The prosecution indicated its intention to proceed with the murder case. The body of Montserrat Martorell was found in a flat in the Harvey Street area on August 24, 2024.
A defense lawyer informed the court that a psychologist was scheduled to examine the accused in late October. The defense has also conveyed an apology to the family of the deceased for Murray's actions.
Prosecution counsel Simon Reid KC stated that the prosecution would have a clinical psychologist on standby once the defense report is delivered. Mr. Justice Fowler scheduled the case for November to receive an update on the medical report's progress.