Limerick man charged with 2008 murder

A Limerick man was charged at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today with the murder of James Cronin in 2008.

Nathan Killeen, (aged 23), of Hyde Road, Prospect, Limerick was charged with the murder of Mr James Cronin on a date unknown between April 5 and April 7, 2008 at a place unknown within the State.

Detective Garda Christine Bergin gave evidence of meeting Killeen in the confines of the court and handing him a copy of the charge sheet. The Detective Garda said that when the charge was explained to him in ordinary language, Killeen replied:"It's a stitch up."

Prosecution solicitor Mr Michael O' Donovan said that the charge was a non-scheduled offence and that the Director of Public Prosecutions had certified that the ordinary courts were inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice and that Killeen should be charged before the Special Criminal Court.

Killeen spoke briefly to confirm his identity when asked by the court registrar. Detective Garda Bergin handed the book of evidence to Killeen and Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, presiding that the non-jury court, remanded him in custody until October 9.