Dublin man charged with murder of former partner five years ago

A man has been remanded in custody charged with with the murder of his former partner in Dublin almost five years ago.

Construction worker Martin Hayes (32), of Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin, is accused of murdering mother of two, Amadea McDermott, at Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, on July 20th, 2017. Ms McDermott was in her 20s.

Det Sgt Anthony Maloney arrested Mr Hayes at Cork Street in Dublin on Monday morning. He was taken to Coolock Garda station and charged at 8.02am before being brought before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court.

Det Sgt Maloney told the court that in reply to the charge, after caution, Mr Hayes answered: “Not guilty”.

The detective sergeant added that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court.

Defence solicitor Brian Keenan told Judge Halpin that while the district court had no jurisdiction to grant bail in this case, an application would be made in the High Court "in due course".

Legal aid was granted after the judge noted that Mr Hayes worked in construction, earning €380 a week. There was no Garda objection.

Mr Hayes did not address the court.

Judge Halpin remanded him in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence. He will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.