Man remanded in case of pensioner brothers’ murders

Alan Cawley to appear in court on September 6th when book of evidence to be served

Alan Cawley (26), Ballina,  arriving at Swinford District Court charged with the murders of Tommy and Jack Blaine last month. He has been remanded to appear at Harristown District Court on September 6th. Photograph: Keith Heneghan/Phocus
Alan Cawley (26), Ballina, arriving at Swinford District Court charged with the murders of Tommy and Jack Blaine last month. He has been remanded to appear at Harristown District Court on September 6th. Photograph: Keith Heneghan/Phocus

A 26-year-old man charged with the murder of two pensioner brothers has been further remanded in custody.

Alan Cawley (26), who is charged with the murder of Jack and Tommy Blaine at their home in Castlebar last month, appeared before Harristown District Court in Co Roscommon yesterday.

He was further remanded to appear in court on September 6th when the book of evidence will be served.

Mr Cawley spoke briefly with his solicitor Niamh Bambury during the hearing before Judge Conal Gibbons.

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Supt Jim Ryan said the book of evidence would be ready when the defendant next comes before the court.

Mr Cawley appeared wearing a red jacket over a yellow T-shirt and when leaving waved a greeting to his mother and father, who were present for the brief hearing.

The solicitor made no objection to Mr Cawley being further remanded in Castlerea Prison to appear at Harristown District Court on September 6th.

Mr Cawley, with an address of Four Winds, Corrimbla South, Ballina, is charged with the murders of pensioners Jack (76) and Tommy Blaine (69) at their home on New Antrim Street, Castlebar in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10th.

He was arrested later that day and formally charged at 1.08am on Friday, July 12th. He appeared before Swinford District Court later that morning and appeared again at Harristown District Court on July 19th.