A MAN HAS been sentenced to life for the murder of a woman 25 years ago in Belfast.
William Samuel Dunwoody was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Margaret (Peggy) Telford, and the BBC reports that he was told he must serve 19 years before being considered for released.
Telford was strangled by Dunwoody, who was on parole at the time.
Following the sentencing, PSNI Detective Inspector Peter Montgomery said that the police force’s thoughts are with Peggy Telford and her family and friends who suffered her loss over 25 years ago.
He continued:
At 68 years of age Peggy deserved to live in safety within the sanctuary of her own home. At the time of her death she was a widow, living alone and in poor health. However Samuel Dunwoody decided to exploit that by murdering a much loved mother, friend and neighbour.
He said that Detectives from PSNI’s Serious Crime Review Team and Retrospective Major Investigation Team “worked with diligence and determination during the re-investigating of this case”.
They were also able to call on Forensic Science NI, and the Public Prosecution Service.
The Telford family have endured unnecessary suffering over the past 25 years. I’d like to put on record my thanks to Peggy’s son Peter and daughter Victoria, who has since passed away. I hope today’s events will provide some comfort and closure to them.
Detective Inspector Montgomery said that justice has been served today for Peggy. He said that the case “serves as a reminder that although a large passage of time has elapsed police will regularly review cases and where there are new opportunities presented we will pursue them vigorously”.
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