A MAN CHARGED with the murder of Sharon Whelan, who was found dead with her two young daughters in their home on Christmas morning, has been remanded in custody.
Brian Hennessy (23), Windgap, Co Kilkenny, wept as he waited for his case to be called at Kilkenny District Court yesterday.
Ms Whelan (30) and her daughters Zsarah (7) and Nadia (2) were found dead in their home at Roscon, near Windgap, Co Kilkenny, on Christmas morning after neighbours spotted smoke coming from their rented farmhouse.
Mr Hennessy is charged with the murder of Ms Whelan, two counts of criminal damage to a property and endangering the lives of Zsarah and Nadia.
He was led into court yesterday by two gardaí and seated close to a large group of Ms Whelan’s family, including her father Christy.
Mr Hennessy waved briefly to a member of his own family as he was brought into the courtroom.
Mr Hennessy, wearing a blue tracksuit, sobbed as he waited for his case to be called and sat with his head bowed. The postal worker was initially charged before a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court on Saturday night.
Det Sgt Jim Lyng of Kilkenny Garda station had told the court that Mr Hennessy had replied “I am guilty” to each of the three charges when they were put to him.
Supt Gerry Redmond of Thomastown Garda station, made an application for Mr Hennessy to be remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill Court in two weeks
Solicitor Anthony Canny said he had no objection to this.
Judge William Harnett remanded Mr Hennessy to appear at Cloverhill District Court on February 2nd.