Man accused of pensioner murders remanded

A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of two pensioner brothers has been further remanded in custody.

Alan Cawley, aged 26, who is charged with the murder of Jack and Tommy Blaine at their home in Castlebar last month, appeared before Harristown District Court in Co Roscommon yesterday.

He was further remanded to appear in court on Sept 6, when the book of evidence will be served.

Cawley spoke briefly with his solicitor, Ms Niamh Bambury, during the hearing before Judge Conal Gibbons.

Superintendent Jim Ryan said the book of evidence would be ready when the defendant next comes before the court.

Cawley appeared wearing a red jacket over a yellow T-shirt and when he was leaving he waved a greeting to his mother and father who were present in court for the brief hearing.

His solicitor made no objection to Cawley being further remanded in Castlerea Prison to appear at Harristown District Court in September.

Cawley, with an address of Four Winds, Corrimbla South, Ballina, is charged with the murders of pensioners Jack, 76, and Tommy, 69, Blaine at their home on New Antrim St, Castlebar, in the early hours of July 10.

He was arrested later that same day and formally charged on July 12.

He appeared before Swinford District Court later that morning and appeared again at Harristown District Court on July 19.