Women charged with the murder of pensioner Daniel Guyler in Derry

Sharon Mary Faustina Harland, (44), of Baltimore House, and 33-year-old Rhona Mary Gracey, with an address of Coven Street, Belfast, are charged with the murder of Daniel Guyler on May 1, 2019.

They are further charged with robbing the 75-year-old of a wallet containing £400 on July 23, 2018.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard that the pensioner was found unconscious and badly injured in the Termon Street area of the city on that date.

He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Mr Guyler never regained consciousness and passed away in May, last year.

The court was told Harland and Gracey were arrested in July 2018 and initially charged with assaulting the pensioner.

However, during their first appearance in court the PPS decided to proceed by way of report.

They were arrested again earlier this week.

During police interview, Harland allegedly claimed she could not remember the night in question, while Gracey made no comment.

An investigating officer said a number of witnesses have come forward placing both defendants at the scene.

She added that there is ‘very strong’ forensic evidence, including the victim’s blood on items of clothing and shoes.

Opposing bail, the officer said that police have concerns the defendants will commit further offences.

The court heard that both women have considerable records and have both been convicted of a serious assault in the past.

The officer added that police have concerns the defendants could interfere with witnesses.

She said that a number of the witnesses are known to Harland and the 44-year-old had allegedly made a comment during interview that she would have to ‘pull’ one of the witnesses who provided a statement.

The officer conceded that there is no indication either woman poses a flight risk.

Sean Doherty, defence counsel for Harland, said it has been two years since the alleged assault and there is ‘no indication’ his client has attempted to interfere with witnesses.

He said that Harland is a ‘woman who has existed on the fringes of society over the last 20 years’ and has mental health and poly-substance abuse issues.

However, he said that in the last year she has ‘got her house in order’, is engaging with a heroin replacement programme and is currently expecting her sixth child.

The barrister said that given the length of time that has passed since the alleged incident, the 44-year-old would be a suitable candidate for bail.

John Keown, defending Gracey, said that his client has also struggled with substance misuse in the past but has ‘turned her life around’ and is engaging with a methadone programme.

He added that she lives in Belfast, a considerable distance away from the witnesses.

Mr Keown also said there are a number of issues in the case, including Mr Guyler’s cause of death which was attributed to broncho-pneumonia.

The solicitor added that there is likely to be a delay in the case due to the Covid-19 pandemic and his client could be released with conditions.

District Judge Ted Magill granted the defendants bail to reside at addresses approved by the PSNI.

He prohibited Harland and Gracey from having any contact with witnesses and from consuming alcohol or non prescribed drugs.

A representative of the PPS applied to appeal this decision and the case has been adjourned until a later date.

The defendants will not be released pending the appeal.