Further remand for Waterford man facing murder charge

A Waterford man charged with the alleged murder of John O'Connor following a fatal assault in New Ross, County Wexford, was further remanded in custody at Wexford District Court on Monday morning, January 6.

The accused, 34-year-old Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominick Place, Waterford, and currently of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge John Cheatle.

He's charged with the murder of John O'Connor, at his home in Cluain Fada, New Ross, on December 31, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The accused had appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday night last where he was remanded in custody to appear before the court again on Monday morning.

At Monday morning's sitting, Sgt Victor Isdell sought a two week remand in the case to allow for the preparation of the Book of Evidence.

Defence Barrister, Donna Kelly, instructed by Lana Doherty, Solicitor, consented to the remand in the case.

Judge Cheatle remanded the accused in custody until January 20 for DPP directions. 

The defendant will also appear via video link on the next occasion. 

There was no application for bail in the case as bail cannot be granted at District Court level when the charge is one of murder. Legal aid had been granted in the case at the previous sitting, which took place before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday night, December 2.

At that hearing Detective Garda Conor Walsh gave evidence of arresting the accused at 10.01pm 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." 

Judge O'Leary said he had no jurisdiction to grant bail given the seriousness of the charge. 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.