Woman charged with impeding murder inquiry

A 24-year old woman, charged with impeding the apprehension of a man in relation to the murder of Maurice Martin four years ago, has been refused bail and remanded in custody.

Siobhán Whitaker (24) with an address formerly at Baleview Drive in Finglas and Walterton Road, Maidavale in London appeared before Judge David McHugh at Blanchardstown District Court this morning.

The mother-of-one was arrested after she got off a flight from Luton at Dublin Airport at 7.50am charged with impeding the apprehension of a man at Baleview Drive, Finglas.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Lynch gave evidence that he arrested Ms Whitaker at Dublin Airport as she was returning home to visit family for the weekend. He said she has a return ticket to London for Sunday morning. He said she made no reply after caution but she shook her head indicating “No.”

The Director of Public Prosecution has directed the 24-year-old be sent forward for trial on indictment at the Central Criminal Court. Judge McHugh refused bail due to the seriousness of the alleged offence and said he is satisfied Ms Whitaker is a flight risk.

He directed Ms Whittaker receive appropriate medical attention at the Dochas Centre, having heard she has a history of depression.

During a bail application defence solicitor Ms Aoife Bambury said Ms Whitaker, who works for Care Watch, an organisation caring for the elderly in London, would have made herself available to gardaí if she knew gardaí were looking for her.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, gold jumper and black skirt, Ms Whitaker became tearful as she was remanded in custody for one week, to re-appear before Blanchardstown District court on Friday, May 3rd.

Mr Martin (21), was originally from Finglas but had lived in the Navan area for a number of years. He was found by a passing taxi driver at the junction of Cardiffsbridge Road and Tolka Valley Road, Finglas at 5am on June 12th, 2009. He had been stabbed a number of times in the neck and chest.