Man charged in relation to death

A 23-YEAR-OLD man was charged at a special District Court sitting in Killarney, last night, arising from a garda investigation into the death of a 30-year-old man in the town, at the weekend.

Gerard O’Riordan, unemployed, of 26 Arbutus Grove, Killarney, was charged with assaulting James Brazier, causing him harm, at 42 Pinewood Estate, Killarney, on April 15.

The State objected to bail and Judge James O’Connor remanded the accused in custody to appear at Castleisland District Court, on Thursday next.

Detective Garda John Evans, who gave evidence of arrest, said it was “most probable” that a more serious charge would yet be preferred against the accused.

Inspector Barry O’Rourke, replying to solicitor Padraig O’Connell, for the accused, said the charge would most likely be that of murder.

A crowd of around 300 were gathered on the street outside when the accused was escorted from the court after the hearing.

In objecting to bail, Det Garda Evans said that, since the incident occurred, O’Riordan had actively tried to get a passport and money to “effect a flight from justice and leave the country”. He also said many people who had been approached by investigating gardaí had expressed fear of O’Riordan.

“I believe he would most certainly interfere with the investigation and with witnesses if released on bail. Further inquiries are to be carried in the investigation,’’ he added.

Mr O’Connell then put it to the detective that O’Riordan voluntarily handed himself up to the gardaí in Killarney, on Thursday.

The detective replied: “Yes. Five days afterwards.’’

O’Riordan told the court he would abide by any bail conditions laid down, including signing on daily at the local garda station. He would also be prepared to reside at an address away from Killarney and would not interfere with potential witnesses.