‘Scissor Sisters’ mother charged in court

THE mother of the so-called “Scissor Sisters” Linda and Charlotte Mulhall appeared in court yesterday charged in connection with the murder of her Kenyan boyfriend.

Kathleen Mulhall, aged 54, was charged with impeding the apprehension of those involved in the murder of Fareh Swaleh Noor in March 2005.

The dismembered remains of Mr Noor, who was decapitated, were recovered from Dublin’s Royal Canal.

Charlotte Mulhall, aged 25, was jailed for life for the murder in December 2006, while her sister Linda, aged 32, was given a 15-year sentence for manslaughter. Both have lodged appeals.

Kathleen Mulhall, from Richmond Cottages, Ballybough in Dublin, disappeared after her boyfriend’s death.

It is understood she had been living in London for the past few years.

She appeared in Dublin District Court yesterday after agreeing to accompany gardaí who travelled to London to talk to her.

She was arrested and charged on matters in connection with the murder, at Mountjoy Garda Station on her return on Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant William Hickey of Mount-joy Garda Station told the court she was cautioned and charged last night.

Det Sgt Hickey said that on March 20 and 21, 2005, at 17 Richmond Cottages in Ballybough, Dublin 3, Mulhall allegedly committed an offence contrary to section 7 (2) and (4) of the Criminal Law Act 1997.

He said she was charged with “intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution” of another person, knowing or believing that person was guilty of murder, or some other arrestable offence, without reasonable excuse.

Mulhall’s solicitor Peter Mullen made no application for bail.

Judge Patricia Ryan remanded her in custody to Dochas Women’s Prison to appear in court again next Wednesday.

Her daughters, who are serving their time in Dochas Prison, are awaiting decisions on their appeals. Last week, the Court of Criminal Appeal said the trial judge in the prosecution of the “Scissor Sisters” erred in law in passing sentence on Linda Mulhall before considering psychiatric and probation reports.

The appeals court is examining the reports before ruling on whether the 15-year jail term is correct. Charlotte Mulhall is lodging a separate appeal against her life sentence for the murder.