Charges of murdering mother and daughter to be contested

A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of a mother and her daughter in Co Kerry earlier this year will be contesting the case against him and pleading not guilty to both counts, his solicitor told a court yesterday.

Aurimas Andruska, a Lithuanian national with an address at Ardmoniel Heights, Killorglin, Co Kerry, is charged with the murders of 27-year-old Lithiuanian woman Jolanta Lubiene and her eight-year-old daughter, Enrika, at their rented home at Langford Downs, Killorglin on June 15th.

Yesterday, Mr Andruska made his ninth appearance on the charges when he appeared at Cork District Court, where his solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, complained that it was fast approaching six months since his client was first remanded in custody on the charges.

“He will be contesting the case as he indicated from the outset,” said Mr O’Donnell, adding his client was not consenting to a four-week remand as sought by gardaí for the preparation and service of the book of evidence.

Garda Insp Mick McGuire said gardaí were still working to complete the book of evidence in the case, adding it was a very serious case and it was unusual to have someone facing two murder charges.

Judge Tim Lucey acknowledged this and, noting Mr O'Donnell's objection to a remand in custody for four weeks, remanded Mr Andruska in custody for a fortnight. He refused a defence application to make the adjournment pre-emptory against the State.

Judge Lucey remanded Mr Andruska, who was assisted in court yesterday by a Lithuanian interpreter, in continuing custody to appear again in person on November 6th for preparation and service of the book of evidence.