Man (44) charged with murder of mother of three at flat in Cork city

Accused remanded in custody following brief court appearance over death of Nicola Collins

A 44-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged with the murder of a mother of three who was found with serious head injuries in a flat in Cork city earlier this year.

Cathal O'Sullivan was charged with the murder of Nicola Collins at his flat at Popham's Road, Farranree in Cork on March 27th last when he was brought before Cork District Court on Wednesday.

Det Sgt Kieran O'Sullivan told the court that he arrested Mr O'Sullivan outside Mayfield Garda Station where he charged him with the offence.

Mr O'Sullivan, replied "Not guilty" when the charge was put to him after caution, Det Sgt O'Sullivan told Judge David Waters at the vacation sitting at the Washington Street Courthouse in Cork.

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Insp Gary McPolin applied for a remand in custody for a week and Judge Waters remanded Mr O'Sullivan in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on August 30th.

Defence solicitor, Joe Cuddigan applied for free legal aid, saying that Mr O'Sullivan was dependent on a disability allowance and gardaí raised no objection and he was granted free legal aid.

A native of Charleville in North Cork, Mr O'Sullivan did not speak during the five minute hearing only to confirm his identity for Judge Waters when he first appeared .

Ms Collins, a native of Tralee, Co Kerry, was found with serious head injuries by emergency services when they are called to Popham's Road around 3am on March 27th.

Paramedics worked to try to revive her but she was pronounced dead at the scene by a local doctor.

Ms Collins, who lived on Clashduv Road in Togher on Cork's southside, is survived by her father, Michael who lives in Cork and her mother, Kay who lives in Tralee and her three children.

Barry Roche

Barry Roche

Barry Roche is Southern Correspondent of The Irish Times