Murder accused moved to Central Mental Hospital

THE man charged with the murders of a young mother, her two children and a family friend has been moved to the Central Criminal Hospital, it emerged yesterday.

John Geary, 31, with an address at Meadow Court, Newcastle West, who is charged with the murders of Sarah Hines, her children Reece and Amy, and friend Alicia Brough, in Newcastle West on November 15, was due to appear at Newcastle West Court yesterday.

He had been remanded in custody since last Saturday.

However, when the case was called, the court was told Geary was at present being treated as a patient at the Central Mental Hospital.

Insp Eamon O’Neill asked that the accused be further remanded in custody to appear at the same court on December 10. The application was granted by Judge Mary O’Halloran.

The funerals took place at Tournafulla on Thursday of Sarah Hines, 25, and her children Reece, aged three, and Amy five months. The funeral took place in Rockchapel on Monday of Alicia Brough, 20.

When Geary was brought before Newcastle West Court on Saturday, there was tight security and about 300 people had gathered outside the court. His heavily bandaged right arm was in a sling.

After his arrest he was treated at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital and Cork University Hospital for a hand wound. He had been in custody since his arrest in Kilkee, Co Clare, on November 16.