A 19-YEAR-OLD man appeared in court in Arklow, Co Wicklow, yesterday charged with the murder of shopkeeper John Deasy last December.
Anthony Farrell, Marian Villas, Arklow, had been previously charged with robbing Mr Deasy’s shop, Brauder’s, on Coolgreany Road, on November 25th, 2009.
Mr Deasy died at the scene after being fatally stabbed.
Sgt Fergal McHugh, who arrested the defendant on Tuesday evening and charged him with the murder, said that after caution Mr Farrell replied: “I am not guilty; that’s all I am saying.”
Mr Farrell applied to the court for free legal aid. Judge Murrough Connellan granted the application and confirmed the appointment of local solicitor Thomas Honan.
Garda Inspector Mary Aldridge sought a remand in custody to St Patrick’s Institution, with the defendant to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on February 3rd. Mr Honan pointed out that his client had been on bail from the High Court but the judge consented to remand.