Scottish authorities release body of Irish student Karen Buckley

The family of murdered Irish student Karen Buckley are preparing to bring home her remains after Scottish authorities today confirmed they are releasing her body.

It is believed that the Scottish authorities have informed the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh that Ms Buckley's body is ready for release and the news has been conveyed to her family.

Ms Buckley (24) from Mourneabbey in North Cork disappeared while out socialising with friends at the Sanctuary Nightclub on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow around 1am on April 12th.

Her parents, John and Marian Buckley, travelled to Glasgow the following day.

Police confirmed on April 15th that they had found her body.

The Buckleys returned to Cork with their son Kieran on April 18th after police told them that it would be several days before their daughter’s body would be released.

It had been hoped her body would be repatriated on Wednesday but a postmortem requested by Alexander Pacteau, the man charged with her murder and scheduled for that day was postponed.

However, the second postmortem sought by lawyers for Mr Pacteau (21) took place this morning and Ms Buckley’s body has since been released by the Procurator Fiscal.

It is still unclear when Ms Buckley’s body will be brought back to Ireland as arrangements have yet to be finalised but it is hoped repatriation will take place over the weekend.

It is believed the family are hoping to have their daughter’s body lie in repose at their family home for a rosary at Glynn in Mourneabbey before she is then brought to a funeral home in Mallow the next day.

The funeral mass is expected to take place at the Church of St Michael the Archangel in Analeentha in Mourneabbey on the following day with burial afterwards at Burnfort cemetery, also in the parish.

Meanwhile, Mr Pacteau from Glasgow made his second appearance at Glasgow Sheriff’s Court this afternoon.

Mr Pacteau entered no plea or declaration to the murder charge or a second charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and was further remanded in custody.