Man charged with attempted murder of victim's friend

The man accused of murdering a teenager at her home in Cork last April was today charged with attempting to murder the victim's friend on the same occasion.

Peter Whelan aged 20 of Ashgrove, Underwood, Rochestown Cork, was charged with attempting to murder Sinead O' Leary at Underwood House, Rochestown, Cork on April 27.

When Detective Garda John Riordan charged Whelan the accused replied after caution: "No, I thought there was a charge sent already about that".

Back in April, Whelan was charged with assault causing harm to Ms O'Leary, aged 19 and murdering Nicola Sweeney aged 19.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc remanded Whelan in custody until July 31 on the charges.

Free legal aid solicitor Mary Creed had no application for bail.

Inspector Michael Finn was granted an extension of time for service of documents on Whelan. He said this was necessary because of the protracted investigation of what is a serious case.