Youth charged with Limerick murder

A 17-year-old youth appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court earlier today charged in connection with a weekend murder.

The teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - is charged with the murder of Charlie Craig, from Hennessey Avenue, Kileely Limerick in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 39-year-old was stabbed to death in a row, which allegedly started over a bag of chips.

Mr Craig who was stabbed in chest was found in the Smith O’Brien Avenue area of Kileely shortly after 2.30am last Saturday morning.

He was rushed to Limerick Regional Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Today, a 17-year-old youth, arrested shortly after the murder, appeared before Judge Terence Finn at a special sitting of Limerick District Court.

Judge Finn was told that the accused, who had been working as an apprentice painter, was seeking free legal aid given the seriousness of the charge.

His solicitor Shaun Elder also asked Judge Finn to remand his client in custody to Limerick prison, instead of St Patrick’s Institute in Dublin.

Mr Elder said he wished to have proximity to his client for the purposes of seeking instructions on the bail application, which will have to be made in the High Court.

He also said his client wished to be near his family.

Judge Finn granted the request and remanded the accused in custody to Limerick Prison until February 24 next when he is due to appear again before Limerick District Court.