Accused of murdering this woman almost half a century ago

A 79-year-old man accused of beating and strangling a prostitute to death nearly 50 years ago has appeared in court. The body of sex worker Eileen Cotter, 22, was discovered in front of a block of garages behind Hamilton Park, Highbury, north London, on 1 June 1974. John Apelgren (corr) is also charged with indecently assaulting an 18 year-old female guest at his wedding to ex-wife Ann Smythe on 14 October 1972. He has since re-married and has at least…