Two men charged with assault in McKee killing

TWO men were charged yesterday in connection with the death of a father of two in a Cork suburb.

Early yesterday, Jason Quinlan, aged 27, from 11 Loughmahon Drive, Mahon, appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court, where he was charged with assault causing harm following the death of Brian McKee.

Last evening, John Brett, aged 24, with an address at Leitrim Street, Cork, was charged with assault causing harm to Brian McKee at Ballinure Road, Mahon, on August 25.

Brett appeared before a special sitting of the district court in Mallow.

Mr McKee, aged 24 and from Ballinure Avenue,Mahon, was found lying unconscious at St Michael’s Road, Blackrock, last Saturday morning, just a short distance from his home.

He had suffered multiple stab wounds to his chest and died later at Cork University Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Declan O’Sullivan gave evidence, at Cork District Court yesterday, of arresting, charging and cautioning Quinlan at the Bridewell Garda Station at 5.30pm last Sunday.

Det Sgt O’Sullivan said he advised Quinlan that he didn’t have to say anything, but if he did it would be taken down.

Det Sgt O’Sullivan said that the accused then said: “I am sorry about it. I just hope his family and kids are all right.”

Inspector Colm O’Sullivan made an application to have Quinlan remanded in custody for a week.

His solicitor Eddie Burke applied for legal aid for his client and was granted it by Judge Tim Lucey.

Mr Justice Lucey agreed to the Garda request and remanded Quinlan in custody to appear before Cork District Court onSeptember 3 at 10.30am.

At the special sitting of the district court in Mallow last evening, an application for free legal aid for Brett was granted and Judge Tim Lucy remanded him in custody to appear before next Monday’s sitting of the district court in Cork.