When Mr Michael O'Brien (25), unmarried and unemployed, Gallowsflelds, Tralee, appeared in custody on a murder charge at Tralee District Court yesterday he told Judge Humphrey Kelleher that he wanted to take up his own defence.
Mr O'Brien, who is alleged to have murdered James Healy (16), of Shanakill, Tralee, at Monavalley Industrial Estate on or about February 22nd, had previously been represented by Mr Patrick Mann, solicitor.
The judge remanded Mr O'Brien in custody to Cork District Court on July_16th. Earlier, Mr John O'Mahony (35), an unmarried baker, of Boherbee, Tralee, had by consent been remanded in custody to Tralee District Court on July 30th on a charge alleging the murder of Ms Margaret O'Sullivan (40) at McCowan's Lane, Tralee, on August 18th, 1996.