Two charged with murder of Cork man (25)

A MAN and a woman have been remanded in custody after they were charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in a field…

A MAN and a woman have been remanded in custody after they were charged with the murder of a man whose body was found in a field in Co Kerry over a year ago.

John Walsh (44) and Gillian Purcell (33) were brought before Cork District Court yesterday where they were charged with the murder of John McManus (25) at a flat at Verdon Place, Wellington Road, Cork, on either October 30th or October 31st, 2008.

Det Sgt Eileen Foster gave evidence of arresting Ms Purcell at Anderson’s Quay, Cork, on March 10th and bringing her to Mayfield Garda station where, following a caution, she was charged with Mr McManus’s murder.

Ms Purcell, whose address was given as care of the Simon Community, Anderson’s Quay, but who is originally from Hollyville in Cork, replied “No comment” to the charge, said Det Sgt Foster.

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Det Sgt Vincent O’Sullivan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Mr Walsh, originally from Carrigmore Park, Ballinlough, Cork, and he told the court that when charged, Mr Walsh replied: “I have nothing to say.”

Insp Mick McGuire said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court for both Ms Purcell and Mr Walsh.

Judge Con O’Leary granted the application and remanded both in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on March 18th. He also granted both accused free legal aid.

Barry Roche

Barry Roche

Barry Roche is Southern Correspondent of The Irish Times