Man appears in court charged with murder of Sonia Blount

A 31-year-old Dublin man has appeared in court  charged with the murder of Sonia Blount in a Tallaght Hotel on Sunday.

Eric Locke, St John's Park East, Clondalkin, is charged with murdering Ms Blount (31) at Room 346 of The Plaza Hotel in Tallaght on February 16th, 2014.

Dressed in black plimsolls, dark blue jeans and a blue hooded sweatshirt, Locke appeared in custody before Judge Anthony Halpin.

Garda Jennifer Brogan told Judge Halpin that she arrested Locke for the charge of murder at 1.05am this morning in Tallaght Garda station. She said Locke was cautioned and was later charged at 1.10am by Sgt Damien Deegan. She said Locke replied "no" to the charge.

Locke's solicitor, Mark Quinn, applied for and was granted legal aid.

Judge Halpin told Locke: "Mr Locke, the legislature recognises murder as a most serious offence. The law states that all bail applications in such cases should be made before the High Court. "

Mr Quinn asked the judge to make an order granting his client access to medication. Judge Halpin asked if Mr Locke required medical attention. Mr Quinn said he might.

Garda Brogan applied for a remand in custody. Judge Halpin made an order that Locke is to receive medication and medical attention if required.

He remanded Locke in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on February 25th.