Further remand in case over death of woman in Kilrush

A Co Clare District Court was told yesterday that gardaí have taken 112 witness statements in the investigation into the death…

A Co Clare District Court was told yesterday that gardaí have taken 112 witness statements in the investigation into the death of Kilrush woman Ann Walsh (23).

At Ennis District Court yesterday a Cooraclare man, Raymond Donovan (23), made his sixth appearance charged with intentionally or recklessly causing harm to Ms Walsh at Toler Street, Kilrush, on August 24th.

Mr Donovan had been remanded in custody since August 26th and for yesterday's brief hearing was escorted by prison officers and gardaí to and from the courtroom by a side exit.

During Mr Donovan's last appearance in court, he was assaulted by Kilrush man Leslie Kenny (23), prompting a court disturbance that resulted in the presiding judge having to retreat to his chambers.

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Earlier this month Mr Kenny received a five-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to assaulting Mr Donovan.

In court yesterday Insp Tom Kennedy of Ennis Garda station said that 112 witness statements had been taken as part of the investigation. State solicitor Martin Linnane said he needed more time to complete a book of evidence, and it might not be ready within the next four weeks.

Insp Kennedy told Judge Joseph Mangan that the State was seeking an adjournment to allow directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case.

Solicitor for Mr Donovan, Tara Godfrey, said the adjournment should be made peremptory against the State, which would result in the charge being struck out if the DPP was unable to issue directions by the adjourned date.

She said: "Mr Donovan has been in custody since the 26th of August last and, while I appreciate the complexity of the case, I would be asking that the adjournment be made peremptory against the State."

However, Judge Mangan rejected her application.

Insp Kennedy told the court that the State was also withdrawing an application seeking to obtain Mr Donovan's medical records since his arrest.

Mr Donovan also appeared yesterday in connection with 10 summonses against him arising from alleged criminal damage, public order matters and driving offences between November 2002 and June 2004 at Ennis and Kilrush. He was further remanded in custody to November 11th to reappear at Ennis District Court.