Courts

Man (30) charged with murder of Ian Baitson in Cobh car park

Accused did not speak during the brief hearing in Midleton District Court

Dylan Scannell (30) of O’Rahilly Street in Cobh, pictured at Midleton District Court in Co Cork. Photograph: Daragh McSweeney/Provision

Olivia Kelleher
Mon Mar 25 2024 - 12:14

A man has appeared before Midleton District Court charged in connection with the murder of Ian Baitson in Co Cork.

Dylan Scannell (30), of O’Rahilly Street, Cobh, was charged with murdering the 33-year-old father of two at Newtown Road, Cobh earlier this month.

Mr Baitson was attacked shortly before 9pm on March 15th in a Eurospar car park. He was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead on March 19th.

Evidence of Mr Scannell being arrested, charged and cautioned was given by Det Sgt Gerard O’Shaughnessy. He said he arrested the accused at 1.26pm on Sunday and charged him with the murder of Mr Baitson. Det Sgt O’Shaughnessy said Mr Scannell made no reply when the charge was put to him.

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Defence solicitor Ken Murray applied for and was granted free legal aid for his client. Supt Adrian Gamble said there was no objection to legal aid being granted in the case.

Judge Colm Roberts acceded to the State’s request to remand Mr Scannell in custody to a sitting of Mallow District Court on Tuesday where he will appear by video link.

Mr Scannell did not speak during the brief hearing. A bail cannot be made at District Court level on a charge of murder.

Ian Baitson's funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday. Photograph: Family handout/PA Wire

A postmortem was carried out on Mr Battison last Tuesday at Cork University Hospital. The case was then formally upgraded to a murder inquiry and an incident room was established at Cobh Garda station. A family liaison officer has been appointed to keep the family updated on the investigation.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Mr Baitson. He will lie in repose at Cahill’s funeral home in Newtown on Tuesday. His removal will take place on Wednesday ahead of a 1pm requiem Mass, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy.

Mr Baitson is survived by his children Zoe and Myles, his mother Helen, his brother Richard, his extended family and a large circle of friends. He was predeceased by his father Paul.

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