Sister manslaughter charge upgraded to murder

A CHARGE against a 25-year-old man with the manslaughter of his sister was yesterday upgraded to one of murder.

Robert O’Brien, of St John’s Park, Castleisland, Co Kerry, had previously been charged with the manslaughter of Elizabeth McCarthy, 31, at the Quay, Blennerville, Tralee, on September 28 last.

Supt Pat Sullivan, Tralee, told Judge Terence Finn that on Tuesday of this week, the DPP had given a direction to withdraw the manslaughter charge and to prefer a charge of murder and another charge.

O’Brien has been in custody in Cork prison since first appearing at a special court in Kenmare on October 4 last.