Man charged with murder of Magherafelt woman remanded into custody

A man has been remanded in custody at Magherafelt Magistrate's Court, sitting in Derry, today charged with the murder of Sophie Watson on Sunday.

Andrzej Pajaczkowski (43) of Ashgrove Park in Magherafelt was charged with one count of murder on August 18.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge. 

The court heard that Pajaczkowski was a Polish national who has been resident here for 20 years. 

A defence solicitor Owen McKenna said his client had 'a workable knowledge of the English language' but an interpreter was on hand if required.

He said that his client, who appeared by Sightlink from Musgrave holding centre in Belfast, had said not guilty after the charge was put to him. 

Mr McKenna said there was no challenge to the connection to the connection or any application for bail. 

He added that he was 'conscious' of the ongoing police investigation and added that the defence were currently looking into a bail address.

The solicitor said that there was also medical issues in what he described as 'complicated and complex case'.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan told the defendant that as he had not applied for bail there would be a remand in custody. 

Pajaczkowski will appear again on September 18.