Man charged with 1974 murder of Eileen Cotter

A 79-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a young woman in Islington 48 years ago.

Eileen Cotter, aged 22, was found dead in front of a block of garages behind Hamilton Park, Highbury, on the afternoon of June 1, 1974.

She had been strangled to death.

A murder investigation was launched at the time, but no charges were brought.

However, on Wednesday, June 22, 79-year-old John Apelgren, of Bryden Close, SE26, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was charged later the same day with Cotter’s murder, and indecent assault of another woman in 1972.

Apelgren is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court later today (Thursday, June 23).