Leslie Ross remanded in custody charged with murder two of his former lovers

A PENSIONER has been remanded in custody charged with murdering two of his lovers and also child sex offences.

Leslie Ross arrived at Armagh Magistrates Court in the back of a police van as media crews waited at the gates.

He had been held overnight at a police cell ahead of his first court appearance on Friday morning.

The 66-year-old was taken into the dock to face the charges of murdering:

* 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff who died in hospital in April 2012 a day after she was found unconscious in bed by her daughter;

* and Margaret Weise, 50, who died in August 2007.

Mr Ross was also further charged with:

* indecent assault;

* gross indecency with a child;

* and indecently assaulting a female child.

During three days of questioning at the serious crime suite in Antrim, Ross denied any involvement in the offences.

His solicitor said he would be vehemently contesting all the charges leveled at him by police.

Ross was remanded in custody to Maghaberry Prison.

In relation to the suspicious death of Lily McKee, 52, who died in 2002, detectives are to forward a file to the Public Prosecution Service for its consideration.

The village of Dromore, Co Down has been in shock all week following the arrest of Ross at his home.