Case returned for trial to Central Criminal Court

The man accused of murdering a teenager at her home in Cork and attempting to murder her friend had the case against him returned for trial today to the Central Criminal Court.

Peter Whelan, aged 20, from Ashgrove, Underwood, Rochestown, Cork, is charged with the murder of Nicola Sweeney and the attempted murder of Sinead O'Leary at Underwood House in Rochestown last April 27.

Inspector Michael Finn said at Cork District Court that Whelan had been served with a book of evidence on the three charges.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc made separate orders returning Whelan for trial on each of the three charges and also told Whelan of certain notices he would have to give to the State if he wished to call alibi evidence in defence.

Defence Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan, who represents Whelan on free legal aid, asked for two counsel to be certified also to represent Whelan at the trial in Dublin.

It may be as late as sometime next year before a date is fixed for the hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Whelan is remanded in custody.

The late Nicola Sweeney was 19 at the time of her death and Ms O'Leary is also 19.