Bertie Acheson and his wife Sheila

A PREGNANT MUM has been released on bail after she faced a court accused of killing pensioner Bertie Acheson.

Jennifer Toland, 23, who is orginally from Antrim and is 16 weeks pregnant, was charged at Ballymena Magistrates Court with the manslaughter of Mr Acheson.

The 72-year-old died from a heart attack after a break-in at his home in Coleraine in April. He collapsed after confronting an intruder.

A detective constable told Ballymena Magistrates Court there was evidence linking the accused to the crime.

District Judge Des Perry released Toland on bail to appear back in court on November 29.