Youth remanded over shopping centre murder

A Dublin youth charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in Blanchardstown on Halloween night has been remanded on bail pending directions from the DPP and the possibility of further charges.

Judge James Paul McDonnell said at the Dublin Children’s Court today that the case would go to either the Circuit Criminal Court or Central Criminal Court.

The 17-year-old youth was charged last week with assault causing serious harm to Mr Michael Murphy, a 31-year-old father-of-two from the Fortlawn Avenue area, in west Dublin, on October 31, at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

Detective Sergeant William Kelly, Blanchardstown Station, told Judge McDonnell yesterday that the alleged incident involved a fatal stabbing.

He informed the court that a file on the case is being prepared for the DPP and said he was seeking a further remand.

Judge McDonnell heard that the teenager is on bail and has being signing on twice a week at Blanchardstown Garda Station and has also surrendered his passport.

Det Sgt Kelly applied for a remand for six weeks pending the DPP’s directions and said that further charges may be brought.

Initially the teenager had instructed the court, through his solicitor, that he wanted to be remanded in custody. His solicitor said the teenager has "experienced some difficulties" while on bail.

Judge McDonnell inquired whether it would be possible for the teenager to live with relatives at an alternative address.

Ms McEvoy then said that the teenager had consented to a remand on bail.

Judge McDonnell said the concern may be legitimate and the youth’s mother should consider discussing with her extended family the issue of him living with them.

"I don’t want to put anyone else’s life in danger," she replied.

Judge McDonnell remanded the teenager on bail until a date in December for directions from the DPP and the possibility of further charges. He said that whatever the charges are, they would either go to the Circuit Criminal Court or Central Criminal Court, and would not stay in the District Court.

He said a date could then be fixed in the new year for the service of a book of evidence.

Det Sgt Kelly said it would be preferable if the teenager did not live at his current address and added that he had no objections to the teenager reporting to another garda station.

Judge McDonnell noted that if alternative residence is chosen the youth should sign on at the local garda station and give notice of the change of address to Det Sgt Kelly.