Bernadette Scully remanded over murder of daughter (11)

A GP facing a charge of murdering her daughter is almost in negative equity and cannot afford to pay for her legal defence, a court has been told.

Dr Bernadette Scully (56) was charged on Monday with the murder of 11-year-old Emily Barut at their family home, Emvale, in Bachelor's Walk, Tullamore, Co Offaly on September 15th, 2012.

Dr Scully appeared at Tullamore District Court where her solicitor, Patricia Cronin applied for a legal aid certificate.

Ms Cronin handed in a statement of her client's means which was examined in detail by Judge Catherine Staines.

Judge Staines noted that the accused woman was “almost in negative equity” and asked if she was unemployed.

When Ms Cronin confirmed that she was, the judge granted Dr Scully legal aid and formally assigned Ms Cronin to represent her.

Ms Cronin advised the court that her client had been granted bail by the High Court on Monday.

Dr Scully sat in the body of the court accompanied by a number of family members. She did not speak for the duration of the brief hearing.

Inspector John Lawless applied to Judge Staines to have her remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Tullamore District Court on March 11th.

Mr Cronin said that the application was by consent and Judge Staines made the remand order.