Court reserves judgment on woman's murder conviction appeal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 22:40 · Archive

A court has reserved judgment on prosecutors' bid for a retrial of Julie Ann McIlwaine, whose conviction for murdering her abusive partner was overturned last month.

Julie Ann McIlwaine was convicted of murdering James Joseph Crossley in 2025, but that conviction was overturned on appeal last month. Crossley, 38, was stabbed repeatedly in the chest and abdomen as he slept at McIlwaine's home in Dunmurry in March 2022. The Court of Appeal heard arguments today on whether McIlwaine should face a retrial on the murder charge or have the conviction substituted with a verdict of manslaughter.

McIlwaine admitted killing Crossley but denied murder, claiming she suffered a temporary loss of control as a victim of domestic abuse. The pair had been in a relationship characterised by emotional manipulation and coercive control. At the time of his death, Crossley was on bail for an alleged assault against McIlwaine and subject to a restraining order, though they had re-established their relationship by the night of the killing.

Eilis McDermott KC, representing McIlwaine, argued for substituting the murder verdict with manslaughter and sought bail if a retrial were ordered. She described McIlwaine, a mother-of-four, as having had no previous criminal record and being a model prisoner during her two years in custody. The Crown argued against granting bail. Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan reserved judgment, stating these were 'important matters in a significant case' and that the court would return a decision at a later date. McIlwaine remains in custody at Hydebank Wood.

How it is being reported

• Julie Ann McIlwaine should have murder conviction substituted for manslaughter, court hearsReserving judgment, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan pledged to give a decision as soon as possibleBelfast Live · 4 Nov, 21:59
• Court reserves judgment on retrial of woman who killed abusive partnerJulie Ann McIlwaine was convicted in 2025 of murdering James Joseph Crossley but had that conviction overturned on appeal last month.BBC Northern Ireland · 4 Nov, 16:09

In this story: Julie Ann McIlwaine · James Joseph Crossley · Court of Appeal · Dunmurry · Hydebank Wood

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