A 31-year-old man charged with the murders of two women and two young children in Co Limerick last year has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
John Geary (31) of Meadow Court, Newcastle West Co Limerick but originally from Milford, Co Cork, is accused of killing his former partner Sarah Hines,(25) and their five month old daughter Amy Hines at a house in Hazelgrove, Gortboy , Newcastle West Co Limerick on or about November 15th 2010.
He is also charged with the murder of Ms Hines’s three year old son Reece Hines and her 20-year-old friend Alicia Brough on the same date.
Mr Geary appeared before Newcastle West District Court today where he was served with the book of evidence in the case.
The State solicitor for Co Limerick Aidan Judge told the court the Director or Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to be sent forwrd for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Judge also requested an amendment in respect of each of the four charge sheets, to replace, ‘on November 15th 2010’ with ‘on or about November 15th 2010’.
The book of evidence comprising of three volumes spanning over 600 pages was served on Mr Geary.
Mr Judge said there was no consent to bail in the case.
The accused wore a grey and white hooded top and navy tracksuit pants and leaned up against a wall with his arms folded for the brief hearing.
His solicitor John Herbert applied for free legal aid to include a senior an junior counsel.
Judge Mary O’Halloran granted the request and remanded Mr Geary in continued custody to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Judge O’Halloran also issued the accused with the alibi warning which means he must inform the state of any potential alibi witnesses within two weeks.