A TEENAGER appeared in court in Limerick yesterday charged with the murder of a local man in the city nearly three years ago.
The 17-year-old male – who cannot be named for legal reasons but who is originally from the south side of Limerick city – is charged with the murder of Noel Crawford (40), at O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, on December 18th, 2006.
The father of six died from a single gunshot wound to his stomach in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
Investigating gardaí believe a relative of his may have been the intended target.
Det Garda Dave Bourke told Limerick District Court yesterday that he arrested the accused at an address in Co Clare at 10.50am yesterday. The court heard that the teenager made no reply to the charge.
Det Garda Bourke said the alleged offence had occurred some time ago. Garda Bourke said he didn’t expect there would be any delay with the book of evidence.
Solicitor John Herbert was assigned to represent the defendant.
The teenager was granted free legal aid and accompanied in court by a legal guardian.
Mr Herbert explained that his client’s mother was alive but not living in Limerick and described contact with her as “minimal at best”.
He also said his client, who turns 18 in October, wished to be remanded in custody to Limerick Prison rather than St Patrick’s Institution in Dublin.
Judge Tom O’Donnell said he was not willing to grant this application as the accused is still a child under the provisions of the Children’s Act 2001.
Judge O’Donnell remanded the teenager in custody until June 9th next.
The teenager is scheduled to appear before Limerick Children’s Court.