A second young Cork man appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of a 20-year-old father of one who was shot dead as he walked home with his girlfriend in Cork city on October 7th, 2002.
Jerry Ross (26), St Philomena's Road, Gurranabraher, was charged at Cork District Court with the murder of factory worker John Butler at Gurranabraher Road. Last Friday Cecil Lynch (26), St Declan's Road, Gurranabraher, was charged at Ennis District Court.
Det Garda James Nagle gave evidence of arresting Mr Ross and charging him with the offence. The accused made no reply, said Det Garda Nagle.
Mr Lynch had been remanded by Judge Joseph Mangan in Ennis to appear at Cork District Court yesterday. Insp Charlie Barry said he wanted to deal with both accused together and asked that they be remanded in custody for a week.
Mr Ross's solicitor, Diarmuid Kelleher, said he could not apply for bail in the District Court because of the charge and he asked that his client - who is unemployed - be given free legal aid, which was granted by Judge Con O'Leary.
Both accused were remanded in custody to Cork District Court on April 26th. The late Mr Butler's girlfriend, Rachel Thornhill, and other members of his family were present to see the two men charged.
