A man has been charged with the murder of a Co Galway amusement arcade worker almost five years ago. Mr Alan Stephens (24), Hymany Park, Ballinasloe, was extradited from London earlier this month and was in custody here on a charge of criminal damage to property in Ballinasloe in June 1996.
Following two previous district court appearances at which he was remanded on that charge, he was brought before Portumna District Court yesterday where he was charged with the murder of John Kennedy (50) on August 19th, 1997, at the amusement arcade, Main Street, Ballinasloe. He was further charged with stealing £1,887 from the arcade.
Judge Leo Malone remanded Mr Stephens in custody to Castlerea prison to appear again at Harristown District Court at Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on June 27th.