Man charged with murdering women and children sent forward for trial

A MAN charged with the murders of two women and two young children in Co Limerick last year has been sent forward for trial.

John Geary, aged 31, of Meadow Court, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, but originally from Milford, Co Cork, is accused of killing his former partner Sarah Hines, aged 25, and their five-month-old daughter Amy Hines, at a house in Hazelgrove, Gortboy, Newcastle West, on or about November 15, 2010.

He is also charged with the murder of Ms Hines’s son, Reece, aged 3, and her friend, Alicia Brough, aged 20, on the same date.

Geary was served with the book of evidence at Newcastle West District Court yesterday. State solicitor for Co Limerick Aidan Judge told the court that the Director or Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to be sent for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Judge also requested an amendment in respect of each of the four charge sheets, to replace “on November 15, 2010” with “on or about November 15, 2010”.

The book of evidence comprised three volumes spanning over 600 pages.

Mr Judge said there was no consent to bail.

Geary leaned up against a wall with his arms folded for the brief hearing.

His solicitor John Herbert applied for free legal aid to include a senior and junior counsel. Judge Mary O’Halloran granted the request and remanded Geary in continued custody.

Judge O’Halloran also issued the accused with the alibi warning, which means he must inform the state of any potential alibi witnesses within two weeks.