Man charged over Westmeath death 21 years ago

A man has been charged with the murder of Brian McGrath in Co Westmeath 21 years ago.

A man has been charged with the murder of Brian McGrath in Co Westmeath 21 years ago.

Colin Pinder (46), with an address in Liverpool, appeared before Athlone District Court this morning where he was formally charged with the murder of the 43-year-old father of four on a date between March 16th, 1987 and April 18th, 1987.

Mr Pinder was arrested at Dublin airport yesterday evening and taken to Mullingar Garda Station.

Detective Inspector Martin Cadden told Athlone District Court that the defendant had nothing to say when charged.

Judge John Neilan heard that Mr Pinder, who is in receipt of a disability benefit in the UK, is of limited means. Legal Aid was deferred.

There was no application for bail and the defendant was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Tuesday, February 10th.

The last confirmed sighting of Mr McGrath was at Coole, near Castlepollard, in March 1987. Gardaí were only made aware of his disappearance when a family member approached them in 1993.

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A body was later found. DNA analysis revealed the bones were those of Mr McGrath.