Man returned for trial on charges of murdering woman and daughter

A 27-year-old man has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court charged with the double murder of a Lithuanian woman and her daughter at their rented home in Killorglin in Co Kerry earlier this year.

Aurimas Andruska was making his 12th court appearance when he appeared at Kenmare District Court today charged in connection with the deaths of Jolanta Lubiene (27) and her eight-year-old daughter, Enrika at their home at Langford Downs in Killorglin.

Mr Andruska, a Lithuanian national with an address at Ardmoniel Heights, Killorglin is charged with the murders of both Jolanta Lubiene and Enrika Lubyte, both at their house at Langford Downs, Killorglin on June 15th.

The bodies of Ms Lubiene and her daughter were found in the semi-detached two storey house by gardaí when they called to the house at around 8.30pm on June 16th after they were contacted by a friend of Ms Lubiene when she was unable to contact her.

Today at Kenmare District Court, Supt Flor Murphy of Killarney Garda Station confirmed that the book of evidence had been served on Mr Andruska and said the DPP had instructed a return for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court on both charges.

Defence solicitor, Michael O’Donnell applied for free legal aid for senior and junior counsel for Mr Andruska on each of the charges and Judge James O’Connor granted the application, assigning him free legal aid for two senior and two junior counsel.

Judge O’Connor also granted Mr Andruska free legal aid for a translator for the book of evidence while he also granted an application by Mr O’Donnell that the state provide colour copies of black and white photographs in the book of evidence served on his client.

Judge O’Connor then gave the alibi warning to Mr Andruska, informing him with the assistance of a Lithuanian interpreter that if he intends to rely on alibi evidence in his defence, then he must notify the state of same within 14 days.

Mr Andruska, who was dressed in a navy Nike quilted jacket and blue jeans, nodded his understanding before he was remanded in continuing custody by Judge O'Connor to appear at the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

During an earlier remand hearing at Cork District Court, Mr O’Donnell confirmed that his client would be pleading not guilty both charges. “He will be contesting the case as he indicated from the outset,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Among those in an attendance at today's remand hearing in Kenmare Courthouse was Ms Lubiene's sister, Kristina Kuleviciene who lives in Milltown in Co Kerry and who was accompanied to the court by a Garda liaison officer.