State given 2 weeks to ready evidence in O’Hara murder case

The State has been allowed two weeks to complete a book of evidence for the trial of architect Graham Dwyer, who is accused of the murder of childcare worker Elaine O’Hara.

Mr Dwyer, who is originally from Bandon, Co Cork, but who has an address at address at Kerrymount Close, Foxrock, Dublin, is accused of the murder of 37-year-old Ms O’Hara on Aug 22, 2012.

Her remains were found on Killakee Mountain, Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, in September, more than a year after she was last seen.

The 41-year-old married father of two was charged on Oct 18, and when asked if he had anything to say, he replied: “I do, not guilty.”

He was subsequently refused bail and yesterday he appeared again via video- link before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court.

Dressed in a navy and cream striped jumper and blue jeans, Mr Dwyer confirmed he could see the court and hear the proceedings and replied “morning” when greeted by the judge.

Solicitor Ronan O’Brien for the DPP said the case was listed yesterday for the book of evidence to be served on the accused.

He also said: “Directions were conveyed on the last date, it’s a complicated matter involving very serious charge.”

A two-week adjournment was sought by the prosecution to finalise the book of evidence.

“From our perspective there’s consent to that,” Mr Dwyer’s solicitor, Jonathan Dunphy, told Judge Blake.

Judge Blake remanded the defendant in ongoing custody until Jan 29 to appear again at the same court. Mr Dunphy also told the judge that the defence was expecting that the book will be served at his client’s next court appearance.

At a previous hearing, the prosecution said the file on the case was quite large and comprises eight volumes. Gardaí have taken more than 300 statements and have in excess of 800 exhibits, the court was told.

In November, the district court ruled that Mr Dwyer could be granted legal aid as he is no longer on a salary and a mortgage on his family home was in arrears.

Childcare worker Ms O’Hara, from Killiney, in Dublin, who also had a part-time job in a newsagents, was last seen at around 6.15pm on Aug 22, 2012, near Shanganagh cemetery in south Dublin, where her mother is buried.

Her remains were discovered in undergrowth by a woman walking her dog on Sept 13 on Killakee Mountain.

A bag containing several items belonging to her was found near Roundwood, Co Wicklow, at different times in the days before and after the discovery of her body.

The opening of an inquest into her death heard that no cause of death has been established and the inquest has been adjourned until after criminal proceedings.