Former Waterford resident charged with murder
The accused appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court
A 34-year-old man has appeared before a special late sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday night, December 2, charged with murder following a fatal assault in New Ross on New Year's eve.
Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominick Place, Waterford, and currently of no fixed address, appeared before Judge John O'Leary. He was charged with the murder of John O'Connor (58), at his home in Cluain Fada, New Ross, County Wexford, on December 31, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Detective Garda Conor Walsh gave evidence of arresting the accused at 22.01pm on Thursday.
He told the court of having arrested the accused and having cautioned him in relation to the charge, the accused said: 'I didn't murder anyone'.
He said the application was for a remand in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Monday next, January 6, at 10.30am via video link.
Judge O'Leary said as he had no jurisdiction to grant bail given the seriousness of the charge and granted the application for a remand in custody.
Donna Kelly, Defence Barrister, said, as the accused is unemployed, she would make an application for free legal aid.
Judge O'Leary said he would grant the application.
Ms Kelly also asked the court to have included in the order for the prison governor, that medical assistance be provided to the accused as required.
Judge O'Leary said he would make the provision as part of the custody order.
The defendant sat in court, wearing a brown jumper, flanked by a Garda during the brief hearing. During the hearing there was a strong Garda presence in the body of the court.
