Two charged with murder of Brazilian found in bog

Two men were charged at Newcastle West District Court in Co Limerick yesterday with the murder of a Brazilian man whose body was found in a bog in North Kerry on Sunday.

John Paul Cawley, aged 19, and Wenio Rodriguez da Silva, aged 28, both with addresses at Ardoughter, Ballyduff, Co Kerry, were remanded in custody to Kilmallock District Court on Friday.

They were charged with the murder of Bruno Lemes de Sousa, aged 28, at Shroneowen bog, Tullamore, Listowel, between Feb 16 and Mar 10.

Mr de Sousa had been missing from his home in Gort, Co Galway, since mid-February.

Replying to Inspector Eamon O’Neill, Detective Garda Shane O’Driscoll gave evidence of arresting Mr da Silva on Monday and said the accused made no reply when charged.

Solicitor Pat Enright, for Mr da Silva, applied for free legal aid, saying his client had done some part-time farm work, but had no means and no assets.

The solicitor said he would also be applying for bail in due course.

Detective Sergeant John Heaslip said Mr Cawley replied “I’m sorry” after being charged in Tralee Garda Station on Monday.

Helena O’Carroll, representing Mr Cawley, also applied for free legal aid. Her client had worked previously and had been on social welfare but was not entitled to it for some weeks, she told the court.

She also said her client had no means and no assets.

Ms O’Carroll asked that the prison authorities be requested to ensure that while he was in custody Mr Cawley was given medication for epilepsy, which he needed on a daily basis.

Judge Mary O’Halloran granted the request and also approved free legal for both accused.

Both accused had their heads covered when they arrived at and left the courthouse. There was a large media presence outside and inside the courtroom for the 10-minute hearing.

Mr Cawley was dressed in a navy hoodie and jeans, while Mr da Silva wore a blue track suit top over a white T-shirt and jeans.