A 54-YEAR-OLD woman was charged yesterday with the murder of her husband.
Ann Burke, a mother of four, appeared before Portarlington District Court. She was charged with murdering Pat Burke (55) at the couple’s home in Ballybrittas, Co Laois, last August.
Mr Burke died from multiple blows to the head.
His body was discovered in a downstairs bedroom after gardaí called to the house shortly before 11pm on Sunday, August 19th, 2007.
Det Sgt Pat Lyne, of Portarlington Garda station, told Judge John Coughlan he arrested and charged Ms Burke, from Laois, at 10am yesterday. He said Ms Burke made no reply when charged. Ms Burke arrived at court accompanied by two gardaí and said nothing during the brief hearing.
Insp Tom Mooney, of Portlaoise Garda station, made an application to the court for Ms Burke to be remanded in custody until this Friday.
Daire Robinson, solicitor for Ms Burke, made no objection to his client being remanded in custody on consent.
Mr Robinson successfully applied for legal aid for Ms Burke. He told the court his client was in receipt of State benefit.
Judge Coughlan remanded Ms Burke in custody to appear at Portlaoise District Court on Friday, May 9th, at 10.30am.
Mr Burke had worked as groundskeeper at Mount St Anne’s Retreat Centre, run by the Presentation convent in Killenard, Co Laois, and had lived in Ballybrittas all his life.