Man charged with murder of homeless man in Cork

A 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged with the murder of homeless man whose body was found dumped in a refuse chute in Cork earlier this year.

David O'Loughlin was charged today with the murder of long-term Simon Community resident, Liam Manley (59) at City Gate Apartments, North Main St, Cork on May 12th.

Mr Manley’s body was found in a refuse chute at City Gate Apartments on May 13th by a maintenance man when he went to clear rubbish which was building up in the chute.

Today at Cork District Court, Det Garda Noel Maxwell gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told how Mr O'Loughlin made no reply to the charge after caution.

Insp Pat Meaney said the State was withdrawing a charge that Mr O'Loughlin had assaulted Mr Manley causing him harm which had previously been laid against the accused.

Judge Leo Malone said he had no function in relation to bail on a murder charge and he remanded Mr O'Loughlin in custody for a period of seven days.

He ordered Mr O’Loughlin, who was dressed in a t-shirt and tracksuit pants, to appear again at Cork District Court on November 21st for service of the book of evidence.

Mr O'Loughlin's solicitor, Frank Buttimer said he accepted there was now a new charge against his client but he pointed out he had been in custody of the previous charge since May.

He said that Mr O’Loughlin was anxious to know when exactly would the prosecution be in a position to serve documents on him in relation to the charge against him.

Insp Meaney said the DPP had directed trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court or if Mr O'Loughlin chose, to go forward for sentence to the same court on a signed plea of guilty.

Mr Buttimer said the latter situation would not arise but he did confirm his client would agree to appear by video link on the next occasion he is due in the district court.

Judge Malone also granted free legal aid to Mr O’Loughlin whose address was given as No 10, City Gate Apartments, following an application by Mr Buttimer who said his client was unemployed.