Man charged with nurse's murder

A Co Wicklow man is to appear in court on Friday charged with the murder of nurse Sara Neligan.

Ms Neligan (31) was stabbed to death in her apartment in the Winter Garden complex off Pearse Street in Dublin city centre. Her body was found on Thursday evening.

She was discovered after friends became concerned that Ms Neligan, the daughter of retired heart surgeon Maurice Neligan, had not been seen for some considerable time.

Brian MacBarron (25), from Arklow, but with an address in the Winter Garden complex, was remanded in custody during a short hearing at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Det Sgt Brian Duffy said Mr MacBarron was arrested at 10.40pm on Friday, June 15th, in the complex.

He was taken to Pearse Street Garda station where he was charged with murder at 11.16pm. He replied: "I'm deeply sorry for what I've done."

Mr MacBarron, who was described as "being in employment" was neatly dressed in a brown jumper, striped shirt and green trousers.

He sat impassively with his head down and without saying anything during the five-minute hearing.

His solicitor Fachtna Whittle asked for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out on Mr MacBarron, a request granted by Judge John Coughlan. No applications for legal aid or bail were made.

Judge Coughlan remanded Mr MacBarron in continuing custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on June 22nd.