Northern Ireland

Weeping youth (17) remanded over crash that killed Valerie Armstrong

 Mother-of-three Valerie Armstrong died in hospital after a collision with a scrambler motorbike in Colin Glen forest park on Tuesday evening
 Mother-of-three Valerie Armstrong died in hospital after a collision with a scrambler motorbike in Colin Glen forest park on Tuesday evening  Mother-of-three Valerie Armstrong died in hospital after a collision with a scrambler motorbike in Colin Glen forest park on Tuesday evening

A 17-year-old from west Belfast broke down in tears when he appeared in court charged with causing the death of a mother-of-three with a scrambler motorbike.

The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, is accused of two offences linked to the death of Valerie Armstrong, who was struck as she walked her dog in Colin Glen Forest Park on Tuesday evening.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard that following the incident, he waited with the 35-year-old until the ambulance arrived.

As well as being charged with driving with no insurance, the teenager initially faced a charge of causing grievous bodily injury to Mrs Armstrong.

However, this with formally withdrawn in court and a new charge of causing Mrs Armstrong's death by dangerous driving was added.

The Poleglass woman died from her injuries on Wednesday night, surrounded by her family.

Two youths - a 15-year old and a 17-year old - were arrested in the aftermath of the collision.

Whilst the 15-year old was subsequently released on police bail, the 17-year old appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday,

Due to his age he stood outside the dock.

A detective constable told District Judge Neil Rafferty that he believed he could connect the accused to the two charges.

The youth's solicitor asked the constable whether his client had "co-operated fully with police" and whether during the course of interviews the teenager had been "extremely remorseful".

The officer confirmed this was the case.

He also confirmed that following the incident, the youth had stayed with Mrs Armstrong until the ambulance arrived.

Standing just yards from his mother in the public gallery, the youth was visibly upset and wept during the hearing.

His solicitor told Mr Rafferty there would be no application for bail, and asked that the case be listed via videolink on August 18.

The accused was then remanded back to Hydebank Young Offenders Centre.

Mrs Armstrong was originally from Co Westmeath and worked in Cafe Vaudeville on Arthur Street in Belfast city centre.

She is survived by her husband Seamus and three young children, Dylan, Lucy and Sophie-Belle.