Northern Ireland

Charlotte Murray murder trial: Accused denies hiding body for three weeks

Charlotte Murray disappeared in 2012
Charlotte Murray disappeared in 2012 Charlotte Murray disappeared in 2012

A CO Tyrone man charged with murdering his former fianceé Charlotte Murray has denied that he "kept" her body for three weeks or more before finally disposing of the remains.

The denials by 48-year-old chef Johnny Miller, from Redford Park in Dungannon, came as he was questioned again by his own defence QC Orlando Pownall at his crown court trial.

Miller, who has now completed his evidence on his own behalf, denies the murder of is then 34-year-old former girlfriend who disappeared from their home in Roxborough Heights in Moy, Co Tyrone around Halloween 2012.

Mr Pownall had put to him the prosecution proposition that having killed Charlotte he then, "some three weeks later or so" he went on the internet looking to buy an axe and a saw "in order to dispose of the body", and for cleaning materials to clear up afterwards.

"Had you?" Mr Pownall directly put it to Mr Miller, "kept Charlotte body somewhere for three weeks ... and it was then you decided, you better get an axe, a saw ..."

"No...no way," said Mr Miller who also confirmed they were already available in the garage of the house.

Earlier prosecution QC Richard Weir in closing his cross-examination suggested to Mr Miller that having seen explicit pictures of her and a man on her phone and texts to another man, it was "the last straw... and that's what caused you to kill Charlotte Murray."

"I didn't kill Charlotte Murray," said Mr Miller, adding later: "I know I didn't kill her....I know that."

Mr Weir then suggested that he then went online to get an axe and a saw to dispose of her body and for something to clean up afterwards.

"No I didn't. Absolutely not. I never hurt her, never lifted my hand to her, never hit her...I know that....and I'm telling the truth

"You disposed of her body," repeated Mr Weir.

Mr Miller, who again rejected the suggestion, claimed that he had wanted the cleaning materials to clear up after his dog and stains left behind by a spilt bottle of wine.

Mr Miller has already told the court, with regard to looking at the B&Q site for double headed axes and a saw, that it was for his father. He said his father needed a blade for his bow saw, and that he was looking to buy the axe as a Christmas present for him

His farther Patrick, in his evidence, talked of the Miller family interest in 'forestry' and that many in the family had been employed in the industry, including himself.

Mr Miller snr also agreed that his son had been trying to get him a blade to complete one bow saw, and while he was unable to get the part, his granddaughter did.

He further claimed that his son was also aware that he wanted "an American double axe".

Later under cross-examination Mr Miller snr agreed that as his son was growing up, he sometimes "would come with him" , when he went into the forests, described by Mr Weir as being "isolated places".

Murder accused Johnny Miller says he still believes Charlotte is alive
Murder accused Johnny Miller says he still believes Charlotte is alive Murder accused Johnny Miller says he still believes Charlotte is alive