Man charged with murder of girl, four

A 23-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday charged with the murder of four-year-old girl Katelyn Ryan, who died from burns suffered in an alleged arson attack on her home.

Pat Slattery, Garryglass Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, was charged with the murder of Katelyn Ryan at her home at 15 Lenihan Avenue, Prospect, Limerick, on April 8 last.

Slattery was previously charged with arson by setting fire to the Ryan home at 15 Lenihan Avenue.

Det Garda Michael Murphy, Roxboro garda station, told Limerick District Court yesterday the accused made no reply when charged with the murder.

Slattery was further remanded in custody for one week by Judge Peter Smithwick to appear at the court sitting on September 3 next.

Katelyn’s mother, Jacqueline Ryan and her grandmother, Nora Roche, were present in court for the hearing.

Little Katelyn suffered horrific burns in the fire. She had been on a life support machine at Crumlin Children’s Hospital for two days before she lost her battle for life. Her father Robert was by her side when she died.

Her mother Jacqueline sustained serious injuries after leaping from an upstairs window to save her baby daughter Leah, who was also injured in the fire. Six other people, including Robert Ryan, three of his own children and two neighbouring children were lucky to escape serious injury in the blaze which gutted their home.

Katelyn’s grandfather, Jim Roche, broke his leg while trying to rescue the family from the inferno.

Since the fire, Jackie and Robert Ryan and their children, Daragh, 14, Mark, 12, Marissa, 8, and Leah, 16 months, have been staying with Jackie’s parents, Jim and Nora Roche in Lenihan Avenue.

Limerick City Council has promised the Ryan family that repairs on their burnt-out home will be completed in the next few months.

“We hope to be back in the house by Christmas. It would be a great Christmas present,” Jacqueline said.