A MAN jailed for murdering his former girlfriend in her workplace has died in custody.
Fred McClenaghan (57) was given a 13 year prison sentence last November for the murder of Marion Millican in a launderette in Portstewart in Co Derry in March 2011.
The 51-year-old mother-of-four was shot in the chest by McClenaghan, with whom she had previously been in a relationship.
It is understood that he died of natural causes on Sunday.
Originally from Magherafelt, McClenaghan had strong links to loyalist paramilitaries and was believed to have been responsible for directing sectarian attacks on Catholic-owned homes and property in the town in recent years.
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He had twice been convicted of - and successfully appealed on both occasions - a charge of manslaughter concerning Mrs Millican's death.
During the third trial, McClenaghan pleaded guilty to murder.
In a brief statement, the Department of Justice did not name the individual but confirmed that a 57-year-old prisoner at Magilligan had died in custody.
In keeping with procedure, the PSNI, coroner and prisoner ombudsman have all been informed.
Ronnie Armour, the head of the Prison Service, said: "On behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of the prisoner."
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney MLA said: "It is important that the relevant authorities carry out a full and thorough investigation into this death."
