A 34-year-old man has appeared in a Co Wexford court charged with the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of her mother on Sunday night.
Mohammad Shaker Al Tamini (34) of Lower William Street, New Ross, appeared before a special evening sitting of Gorey District Court on Wednesday.
He is accused of murdering Malika at the family home on Lower William Street in New Ross on Sunday evening. He faces a further charge of the attempted murder of his wife Aisha Al Katib (31) on the same date.
Mr Al Tamini said nothing when he appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at the hearing.
Gardaí seize cannabis plants with estimated value of €130,000 from Wexford grow house
Former prisoner loses damages claim for injuries from alleged punch by fellow inmate
Limited psychiatric services increasing trauma in cases, judge warns
Charities Regulator appoints inspectors to investigate Scouting Ireland
During the short hearing, the accused, with a towel wrapped around him, sat at the side of the court flanked by two detectives. He wore a white T-shirt and dark jogging bottoms.
Det Gda Donal Doyle gave evidence of arresting the accused and charging him at Wexford Garda station on Wednesday evening with Malika’s murder and the attempted murder of Ms Al Katib.
The detective told the court that he arrested Mr Al Tamini at Wexford Garda station at 5.04pm on Wednesday. The accused made no reply to the charges when put to him, the detective told the court.
He asked for the accused to be remanded in custody until a further appearance in Wexford District Court next Monday.
Judge Staunton said the court did not have the power to deal with the question of bail given the seriousness of the charges.
Mr Al Tamimi’s solicitor Timothy Cummings applied for free legal aid and asked that a psychological evaluation be carried out on the accused while in custody. The judge granted both applications.
An Arabic interpreter translated the court proceedings to the accused. There was a heavy Garda presence in court during the hearing.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis