Murder accused must stay 30km from village

THE married father of two accused of the murder of Clare woman Deirdre McCarthy is not to go within a 30km radius of Ballyvaughan.

The 30km exclusion of Colm Deely, aged 39, from his home village is part of his bail conditions approved at Ennis District Court yesterday where he was released after spending 28 days in custody.

Deely, of School Road, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, had remained in custody since April 5 when he was arrested on the suspicion of the murder of guesthouse worker, Ms McCarthy, aged 43, at a place unknown in Co Clare on March 28 last.

Ms McCarthy’s body was found washed up on the shore at Fanore beach on March 31 following a three-day search. She was last seen alive on Sunday, March 27, and was reported missing the following day.

Deely was subsequently charged with her murder and was yesterday making his fourth appearance in the district court in relation to the matter.

On his first appearance in court, Det Garda Thomas Molloy gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr Deely at Ennis Garda Station.

In court yesterday, solicitor for Deely, Ciara Macklin, said Deely secured High Court bail on April 26 last and the terms were varied yesterday morning in the High Court.

Ms Macklin said that Deely’s bail conditions have now been varied to state that he cannot go within a 30km radius of the village of Ballyvaughan.

She said the bail conditions now state that he will live with his aunt, Róisín Neylon, at Carrowduff, Willbrook, Corofin, Co Clare.

Ms Macklin said the bail conditions specify that Deely — who was a part-time FÁS worker — cannot go into the village of Corofin.

The High Court approved bail on condition of Deely’s own surety of €1,000 and independent surety of €21,000, with €7,000 to be lodged.

Deely’s brother, Ennis resident Pádraig Deely, yesterday appeared at Ennis District Court and gave sworn evidence on providing the independent surety.

Ms Macklin said Pádraig Deely was acceptable to gardaí as a bailsperson in the case. She said Colm Deely is to also observe a curfew and sign on at Ennis Garda Station.

Insp Michael Gallagher said Colm Deely could be remanded on bail to reappear before Ennis District Court on July 8 next.

Insp Gallagher said it was hoped the Book of Evidence in the case would be ready by that date. He said that if it isn’t, gardaí would liaise with Deely’s solicitors.

Judge Joseph Mangan remanded Deely on bail to reappear before Ennis District Court on July 8.