Woman and teenage girl charged with murder of Scarlett Faulkner

29-year-old mother of one died in hospital three weeks after an attack in Tipperary in March

Scarlett Faulkner Funeral at Crosses Funeral Home, Limerick. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Murder charges have been brought against two women in relation to the death of Scarlett Faulkner following an attack in Tipperary in March this year.

The 29-year-old mother of one died in hospital three weeks after the incident on the side of the R494 road on March 21, just off the M7 motorway near the Birdhill Junction.

Detective Garda Seamus Kelly gave evidence before a special sitting of Nenagh District Court of charging a now 17-year-old girl at Nenagh Garda Station on Wednesday morning.

The teenager, who can't be named because of her age, made no reply.

A previous charge of assault causing harm has now been withdrawn and struck out by the court.

A 40-year-old woman, who also cannot be named by order of the court, made no reply when charged with murder and two counts of burglary by Detective Garda Colum Godfrey. Previous charges of violent disorder and endangerment have now been withdrawn.

As the District Court doesn't have jurisdiction to grant bail in murder cases, both accused have been further remanded in custody to appear again before Nenagh District Court by video link next Friday, July 17.

The book of evidence in both cases is expected to be served at a subsequent sitting the following Friday, when the defendants will be produced in person, before the two cases are sent forward to the Central Criminal Court for trial.

Psychological assessment completed

A psychological assessment of the teenager, which was ordered by the court, has now been completed.

Judge Marie Keane has directed that this be shared with the prosecution team.

The court also heard that the trial of the 17-year-old will be expedited under a new protocol agreed for juveniles.

Judge Keane reiterated that reporting restrictions remain in place and made a new order restricting the posting of video or other material to social media platforms that could interfere with a fair trial, after she said a number of videos had appeared in recent weeks.

Members of the young girl's family were present in court for her hearing.

Members of the Faulkner family, wearing t-shirts that said 'Justice for Scarlett', were present in court for the appearance of the 40-year-old accused.