Husband charged with wife’s murder

THE husband of murder victim Meg (Margaret) Walsh, whose body was recovered from a river in Waterford last year, was yesterday charged with her murder.

The accused John O’Brien of 19 Dunvarra, Ballinakill Downs, Waterford, was remanded in custody for a week when he appeared at Waterford District Court.

When formally charged, O’Brien stated he had nothing to say.

Ms Walsh, 35, was last seen alive as she left the Woodland’s Hotel on the Dunmore Road in Waterford on October 1 last year.

Two weeks later, her body was recovered from the River Suir.

Following one of the biggest-ever investigations to take place in Waterford, her body was recovered from Meagher Quay in the city on October 15.

It is understood she had suffered severe trauma injuries to her upper body.

Inspector John Hunt yesterday gave evidence of arresting O’Brien at his home at 9.15pm on Thursday and conveying him to Waterford Garda Station for the purpose of the charge.

At 11.03pm, O’Brien was formally charged that he did murder Margaret Walsh on a date between October 1 and October 15, 2006 at a place unknown within the State.

In response to the charge, the accused made no reply, the inspector said.

Solicitor Finola Cronin, for the accused, made an application for free legal aid. She also informed the court that an application would, in due course, be made for bail.

Judge William Harnett remanded the accused in custody to Waterford District Court at 10.30am on June 29.

O’Brien, dressed in a black shirt and denim jeans, answered “correct” when asked if he wished to apply for free legal aid and have Ms Cronin assigned.

Yesterday’s court hearing was attended by the late Ms Walsh’s daughter, Sasha Keating, her brother James and other family members who had travelled from Kilavuleln near Fermoy along with close friends from Waterford.

Four members of John O’Brien’s family were also present. In the dock the accused looked calm staring straight ahead to avoid eye contact with Ms Walsh’s family.