Man charged in relation to Killybegs death appears before court via videolink

A man charged with serious assault as part of an investigation into the death of Eddie Friel has been further remanded in custody.

Mr Friel was found deceased in his home at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs on Sunday, April 13.

James Spendley, 57, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy via videolink at Sligo District Court on Wednesday morning.

He had previously appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on Tuesday afternoon, where he was formally charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel. The offence is  contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

At the Carrick-on-Shannon sitting. Detective Garda Niall Brady gave evidence of arresting Spendley on 4.08am on Monday. He was charged at 4.47am. The court heard that he made no reply when charged. There was no application for bail and Spendley was remanded in custody to appear before Sligo District Court via videolink on Wednesday.

Legal aid was granted to solicitor Gerry McGovern.

At Wednesday morning’s sitting, Mr McGovern said: “The application I would be making is that the matter would be adjourned to Thursday, April 24 at Sligo District Court.”

He indicated that there would be an application for bail on that date.

Inspector Frank Egan said: “It is the state’s application to continue remand in custody to Sligo District Court. We have noted that there will be a bail application.”

Judge Murphy remanded the defendant in custody to appear in person before Sligo District Court next Thursday.