A Co Antrim man is to stand trial later this year for the murder of his former partner, a court heard today.
William Finlay has been charged with murdering Alyson Nelson last April.
The 65-year old former nurse died from a stab wound at her Whitehead home.
Her ex-partner Finlay (67), from Old Forde Gardens in Whitehead, appeared at Belfast Crown Court via videolink with Maghaberry.
After confirming his identity and that he could see and hear the proceedings, he was arraigned on a charge of murdering Ms Nelson on April 16, 2022 with the offence 'aggravated by reason of involving domestic abuse.'
As relatives of Ms Nelson sat in the public gallery, Nelson entered a 'not guilty' plea to the single charge.
Mr Justice O'Hara then addressed the Finlay's barrister and said: "I have seen the defence statements and there's no dispute on behalf of Mr Finlay that he killed Ms Nelson.
"The issue that he wishes to explore is a psychiatric one. Is that right?"
The defence barrister confirmed this and said expert reports were being sought to try and determine Finlay's state of mind "at the time of the commission of the offence."
The barrister also revealed Finlay sustained a head injury "years ago" - but said the medical lessons relating to this "are out of the jurisdiction" and are in the process of being received by the defence.
Mr Justice O'Hara set the date for trial as September 11 this year, said he would review the case on May 26 and Finlay was remanded back into custody.