Murder accused appears in Cork

A man accused of murder in Cork city at the weekend was brought before Cork District Court today.

Keith Nagle (aged 20) of 15 Churchfield Green, Cork was charged with the murder of 22-year-old Gerard O’Mahony at Flat No 5 at 3 Parkview, Wellington Road, Cork, between April 21 and April 22 2006. Mr Nagle was remanded in custody until Thursday.

Gerard O’Mahony, a native of Mount Nebo Avenue in Gurranabraher, was found dead in his rented flat by his flatmate at around 9.30am on Saturday morning.

Gardaí immediately cordoned off the scene and began an investigation.

Inspector John O’Brien applied for the case to be adjourned today for preparation and service of a book of evidence.

Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said there would be no objection to a prosecution application to adjourn the case and have him remanded in custody for one month.

However, Judge Uinsin MacGruairc said he would remand the accused in custody until Thursday.

After a first appearance, the period for a remand in custody can be no longer than one week, even with the consent of the accused.

The judge regarded today’s appearance as the defendant’s first formal appearance, and not the appearance before a special court yesterday.

It is anticipated that the case will be adjourned for a longer period on Thursday.

Mr Nagle was not required to speak during today’s brief hearing of the matter.

Gardaí initially treated Mr O’Mahony’s death as suspicious but upgraded their investigation to a murder inquiry following the completion of a post-mortem examination of Mr O’Mahony’s body by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster on Saturday night.

When Mr Nagle was brought before a special sitting of Cork District Court at 12.30pm yesterday, Det Garda Owen O’Connell gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Nagle with the murder.