A man charged with the manslaughter of his sister in Co Kerry last September has now been charged with her murder.
Robert O'Brien (25), St John's Park, Castleisland, Co Kerry, had been charged last October with the manslaughter of his sister, Elizabeth McCarthy, at The Quay, Blennerville, on September 28th, 2004.
The DPP directed on Tuesday that the manslaughter charge be withdrawn and the accused man be charged with murder and another offence, Supt Pat Sullivan told Judge Terence Finn.
Det Sgt John Brennan of Tralee yesterday gave evidence of the arrest of Mr O'Brien, who has been in custody in Cork prison since October 4th, when he appeared at a special sitting of Kenmare District Court.
The accused man's solicitor, Mr Pat Mann, said it was unsatisfactory to have someone in custody for so long and he questioned why it had taken so long to bring the fresh charges.
The court heard there had been a lengthy and complex investigation with more than 200 statements taken. "It's the third murder in this district since early September and resources were stretched," Supt Sullivan said.
Judge Finn granted Supt Sullivan's application for continuing remand in custody. Mr O'Brien is to appear at Cork District Court next Wednesday where the manslaughter charge will be withdrawn, the court heard.
The body of 31-year-old Elizabeth McCarthy, a mother of three, was found in a stream last September 29th.