A MAN has been charged with the murder of his next-door neighbour, who died from a single stab wound to the chest during a row outside his house.
Richard Higgins (41), New Houses, Lattin, Co Tipperary, appeared before Tipperary District Court yesterday.
He was charged with the murder of Seán Murphy (29), a father of two, at New Houses, Lattin, Co Tipperary, on January 17th, 2010.
Det Garda John Long gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Higgins “made no reply” when the charge was put to him yesterday.
Mr Higgins has been in custody since he was charged in January with assault causing serious harm to Mr Murphy.
Det Garda Long told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that a charge of murder be brought against Mr Higgins and that the earlier assault charge was to be withdrawn.
Mr Higgins said nothing during the short hearing. He was granted free legal aid and assigned to solicitor Ted McCarthy.
Judge Mary Martin remanded Mr Higgins in custody to appear at Nenagh District Court on Wednesday, March 31st.