A CO Derry man accused of murdering his wife has admitted his actions caused her death, a court heard yesterday.
Former midwife Katrina Rainey died after being trapped inside a car that became engulfed in flames outside her home on the Quarry Road on the outskirts of Knockloughrim last October.
Her husband Thomas Johnston Rainey appeared at Belfast Crown Court yesterday where he denied her murder.
As relatives of Mrs Rainey sat in the public gallery, the 60-year old defendant, from Quarry Road in Knockloughrim, attended the hearing via a videolink with Maghaberry.
A clerk of the court arraigned Rainey on a single charge of murdering his Katrina on October 12 last year, to which he replied "not guilty."
After asking defence barrister Greg Berry KC about the progression of the case, Mr Justice O'Hara was told: "My Lord, let me make it clear that this is a case where the defendant accepts that his actions caused the death of his wife.
"This is a case where we are exploring partial defences to the count of murder."
Mr Berry added that as a result, Rainey was due to be examined by consultant psychiatrist at the end of November.
Mr Justice O'Hara said he would review the case on January 20, 2023 and Rainey was remanded back into custody.
