Robert probe extended

ALMOST 2,000 lines of inquiry have been followed into the death of Robert Holohan, 11, a court heard yesterday. Gardaí have received more time to prepare a book of evidence against a man charged with his manslaughter because of the enormity of the investigation.

Inspector Martin Dorney told a district court yesterday, 1,983 lines of inquiry had been followed, 1,351 witness statements taken, and an additional 1,022 people interviewed since his death. Robert went missing from his home in Midleton, Co Cork, on January 4, and his body was found eight days later 12 miles away at Inch Stand.

Wayne O’Donoghue, the 20-year-old engineering student charged with his manslaughter, appeared in court for the sixth time yesterday. He sat with his head bowed less than 15ft from Robert’s parents, Mark and Majella.

Insp Dorney applied to have O’Donoghue, from Ballyedmund, Midleton, further remanded in custody, pointing out gardaí were awaiting vital forensic and pathology reports.

He told Judge Michael Pattwell, who was sitting at Mitchelstown District Court, that gardaí required at least another two weeks to complete the book of evidence.

O’Donoghue was remanded in continuing custody to reappear before Midleton District Court on April 14 at 10.30am.