Mum found dead in garage was 'murdered by her own son'

Police launched a murder investigation after the discovery of 43-year-old Rachel Simpson's body in a garage. Her 21-year-old son Nathan Simpson has been charged

A woman has been found dead in a garage after allegedly being murdered by her own son.

Police launched a murder investigation after the discovery of a woman's body, later named as Rachel Simpson, in the Castlereagh Road area of Belfast on Friday night. Officers have now issued the first image of the 43-year-old, after her son, 21-year-old Nathan Simpson, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with the murder of his mother. A court heard he had been released from prison seven days before the incident, reports Belfast Live.

On Monday, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective sergeant told the court he could connect Nathan Simpson to the murder charge. Asked if he understood the charge, Simpson replied: "Yes, your honour." No application for bail was made.

A defence lawyer said the case highlighted a broader issue in relation to accommodation for prisoners being released from custody. He said the defendant had been released from custody days before but attempts to secure accommodation had proven fruitless. He was remanded in custody until October 14.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said in a statement this week: "While responding to a concern for safety at a house in the Castlereagh Road area shortly after 10.30pm on Friday 13th September, officers discovered Rachel’s body in a garage beside the property."