THERE HAS been a hold-up in preparation of the prosecution of Stephen Cahoon, the 36-year-old awaiting trial in the Republic on a charge of murdering mother-of- four Jean Quigley in the North.
Ballyshannon District Court expected the book of prosecution evidence to be served on Cahoon yesterday, but heard it was not ready. Insp Paul Kilcoyne applied for a further extension of time to serve the book. He said all Garda and other evidence had been collated, but the prosecution still awaited evidence from one doctor. He assured the court the full book would be ready to serve on Cahoon by January 16th.
Defence solicitor Paudge Dorrian said the delay was not the fault of gardaí. He was not opposing the application for time. The case was adjourned until January 16th and Cahoon was remanded in custody until then.
Service of a book of evidence is a vital legal procedure when there are serious criminal charges. When it has been served a District Court judge refers the case to a higher court for trial.
Cahoon, of Harvey Street, Derry, has been in custody since his arrest in Donegal town in August. At an earlier hearing he opted for trial in the Republic when told this was one available choice. The other was to be returned to the North for trial.
He is accused of murdering Ms Quigley (30), who was two months pregnant when beaten to death at her home on July 26th in Cornshell Fields, Shantallow, Derry.