A YOUNG woman charged in connection with the death of her brother, who was stabbed at a house party after Christmas, has been freed on bail.
Caroline Brennan (18), Love Lane, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, is charged with assault causing serious harm to her brother Michael Brennan (22).
Mr Brennan, Church Avenue, Castlecomer, died at his uncle's house at Barrack Street in the town shortly after 3.30am on December 30th. Emergency services were called to the small yellow bungalow where Mr Brennan had been socialising with friends. He was discovered with a knife wound to his upper body and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ms Brennan appeared before Kilkenny District Court yesterday. She had been in custody since she was charged with assault on her brother when brought before a special sitting of the court on New Year's Eve.
Michael Lanigan, solicitor for Ms Brennan, applied for bail for his client. He said Ms Brennan would reside at her parents' house on Church Avenue and would be able to report to gardaí each day.
He said Ms Brennan's family came from a "humble walk in life" and were "not of tremendous financial means". There had never been a warrant out for Ms Brennan before and it was highly improbable that she would commit any serious offence if granted bail. He said his client had just finished her education and hoped to go on to further study.
The State would not oppose bail, Insp Aidan Brennan of Kilkenny Garda station told Judge William Harnett. Sgt Teresa Phillips, also of Kilkenny Garda station, made an application that Ms Brennan sign on at Castlecomer Garda station three times weekly between 10am and 1pm.
She asked that Ms Brennan not apply for a passport and that she remain "of sober habits".
Judge Harnett remanded Ms Brennan on bail of €500 and an independent surety of €2,000, to appear at Castlecomer District Court on January 19th.