A 31-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murders of his five-month-old baby daughter, ex-partner, a three-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman at a house in Co Limerick earlier this week.
More than 300 people gathered outside Newcastle West courthouse for the special court sitting which took place at lunchtime today.
The accused man, John Geary, with an address at 31 Meadow Court, Newcastle West, but originally from Milford Co Cork, was brought to court an hour before proceedings got underway.
There was a large garda presence outside the courthouse where barriers were erected and the accused was brought in via a back entrance.
Wearing his right arm in a sling, a black tracksuit and a black hooded top, Mr Geary sat with his head bowed as separate gardaí gave details of arresting him and formally charging him with the four murders last night.
He is charged with the murder of Sarah Hines (25), Amy Hines (5 months), Reece Hines (3) and Sarah Brough (20) at 18 Hazelgrove, Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co Limerick on November 15th last.
Four members of Sarah Hines’ family including her father Christopher and her 23-year-old brother Chris were present in court for today’s hearing.
A member of the public gallery shouted at the accused as he was led into court flanked by uniformed gardaí.
Four Newcastle West based gardai; Sergeant John Flanagan, Garda David Gee, Sergeant Alberta McWalter and Garda Jeremiah O’Sullivan, gave evidence of arresting and formally charging him with the four murders at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick city shortly before 7pm last night.
The court heard the accused man no reply to any of the charges.
Solicitor John Herbert was assigned by Judge Mary O’Halloran to represent the 31-year-old.
Superintendent Dan Flavin requested Mr Geary be remanded in custody to Rathkeale District Court sitting in Newcastle West on November 26th.
Judge Mary O’Halloran ordered the accused be afforded any medical assistance he requires while in custody and remanded him until next Friday at 11am.