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Killer dentist Colin Howell reportedly hospitalised after collapsing over pension stress

The killer is being held in the high-security Maghaberry prison. Picture by Alan Lewis
The killer is being held in the high-security Maghaberry prison. Picture by Alan Lewis The killer is being held in the high-security Maghaberry prison. Picture by Alan Lewis

DOUBLE murderer Colin Howell is reportedly being treated in hospital after collapsing from dehydration.

The killer is being held in the high-security Maghaberry prison on the outskirts of Lisburn, Co Antrim, but was reportedly taken away by ambulance after falling ill with dehydration and stomach pains on Monday.

The nearby Lagan Valley Hospital said last night that they were unable to comment on "prisoner movements".

According to the Belfast Telegraph Howell "was taken to hospital in an ambulance after collapsing" after falling ill "around lunchtime".

It is reported that the former dentist has been under profound stress following a decision by the Department of Health to strip him of his six-figure pension from the British Dental Association.

He is said to have been entitled to a £587,526 NHS pension which he would have benefited from on his release after completing his 21 year jail term.

The story behind the 1991 murders of Howell's wife Lesley and Trevor Buchanan - husband of his lover and co-conspirator Hazel Stewart - has just ended in a short ITV drama series.

It is not known if the The Secret, which came under fire from both families, was watched by Howell from prison.