A young Co Longford man accused of assaulting an elderly publican was refused bail in Longford District Court yesterday.
Mr Tom Croghan (71) was found dead in his premises in Clondra on December 27th.
Mr Ivan Neary (18), also from Clondra, was remanded in continuing custody in St Patrick's Institution to Longford Court on January 19th.
Garda Insp Tony Hynes said it had no objection to the court date but the charges had not been finalised and it would be a couple of months before the investigation is complete. Only then will the file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr John J. Quinn, solicitor, representing Mr Neary, asked Judge John Neilan to fix terms of bail. He said that if his client was given bail he would stay in the family home with his mother and father at Clondra. Mr Neary's parents were not in court but a social worker was present.
Judge Neilan refused to grant Mr Neary bail, saying he would have to be clear that the accused man would be a welcome guest in the family home and that his parents had the authority to control him.
He said bail would be dealt with as quickly as Mr Neary could present a fixed place of residence to the court. Judge Neilan asked Mr Neary if he had any objection to being remanded in continuing custody until January 19th, to which he replied "No".