TRIBUTES have been paid to a young mother of two who died after being struck by a suspected stolen car in Belfast yesterday morning.
Lisa Gow, a mother of two young children, was walking along the Ballysillan Road in the north of the city when the incident happened at around 11am.
Meanwhile a man charged with offences relating to the incident refused to take the dock at Belfast Magistrates' Court today, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
Martin Alexander Nelson, 39, of Ardoyne Road, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while disqualified and without insurance.
He is further charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle theft, and taking and driving a motor vehicle away.
Defence solicitor Pearse MacDermott told the court that Nelson "made full admissions and accepted his role in the incident, and during interviews he expressed remorse and sorrow to the victim's family".
Nelson has been remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.
'Heartbreaking'
Belfast City Councillor for Oldpark, Julie-Anne Corr Johnston of the PUP, expressed her shock at the incident, adding: “My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Lisa’s family, friends and to her beautiful, beautiful children.”
Her Sinn Féin counterpart Ryan Murphy also offered his sympathies, tweeting: “This is the second incident to involve a stolen vehicle in the area over the past week. My thoughts go out to that poor woman’s family and friends.”
Alderman Guy Spence of the DUP described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’, adding: “… a young Mother lost her life due to a stolen car. My thoughts & prayers go out to her Partner, Children & Family. “
And North Belfast MLA Carál ní Chullín said: “Tragic that a woman lost her life yesterday. Thoughts with her family & wider Ballysillan community.”
Meanwhile a fundraising page set up today to support Ms Gow’s family is well on the way to reaching its £2,000 target.
