A man charged with the murder of pensioner Christopher Hall in Balbriggan, Co Dublin last November has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.
The 65-year-old father of two was discovered in his Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, house by one of his daughters. He had sustained major injuries, and officials pronounced him dead there.
The senior was allegedly murdered on November 23 or 24, according to Owen Maughan (20), also of Dun Saithne, Balbriggan. After a brief hearing, he was placed in custody after being charged by the garda in May.
Detective Sergeant Eoin McDonnell served him with a book of evidence on Friday, and he appeared before Judge John O’Leary at Cloverhill District Court.
State solicitor Niamh Tuite said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consented to the accused being returned for trial to the next term of the Central Criminal Court. Judge O’Leary granted the order sending him forward for trial.
The judge also warned Mr Maughan to notify the prosecution within two weeks and provide names or information that might be of assistance if he intended to rely on an alibi in his defence.
Legal aid, to include senior and junior counsel, was granted following an application by defence solicitor Fergal Boyle who asked the court to note the gravity of the charge.
He added: “There are issues that need to be discussed immediately.”
The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in murder cases, and Mr Maughan was further remanded in custody.
The accused, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, stood silently as the judge made the order. He spoke only to acknowledge that he understood the procedure but has not yet indicated a plea.
Additionally, the court commanded garda to give copies of interview footage to the defence.
Detective Sergeant McDonnell reported that the accused did not respond to the charges at his first appearance on May 19 at Balbriggan District Court.