Man charged with murder of Estonian

A MAN was charged yesterday with the murder of an Estonian national in Dublin about two years ago.

Valeri Ranert, 28, was dragged from his car in front of his girlfriend, also Estonian, and assaulted.

The attack happened on April 30, 2007, after the couple parked their car on Forest Road near Dublin airport. The couple’s black Volkswagen Golf was stolen and was later found abandoned and burnt out in Darndale, north Dublin.

Mr Ranert suffered serious injuries and died in Beaumont Hospital hours after the attack.

Ian Daly, from Moutview Drive, Priorswood, north Dublin, was charged at Swords District Court yesterday with his murder.

The 27-year-old was also charged with unlawful seizure of a car. The charges were entered after two existing charges of manslaughter and assault causing harm were struck out.

Gda John Collins of Raheny Garda Station gave details of the charges to the court. Judge Patrick Brady remanded the accused in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court next Tuesday. The scene of the attack, near the Naul Road, is at the northern perimeter of the airport, where plane spotters often park to observe the airfield.

It is also a popular place for couples. After the attack, Mr Ranert sought assistance from other people in the area. Mr Ranert had lived in Dublin for a number of years and had worked as a forklift driver.

Another man, Paul Gibbons, 26, also from Moatview Drive, is also charged in relation to Mr Ranert’s death.

He is charged with manslaughter and unlawful taking of a car.