A MAN charged with the murders of two women and two children in Co Limerick last year has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
John Geary (31), Meadow Court, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, originally from Milford, Co Cork, is accused of killing his former partner Sarah Hines (25) and their five-month-old daughter Amy Hines at a house in Hazelgrove, Gortboy, Newcastle West, on or about November 15th, 2010.
He is also charged with the murder of Ms Hines’s three-year- old-son Reece Hines and her friend Alicia Brough (20).
Mr Geary appeared before Newcastle West District Court yesterday, where he was served with the book of evidence in the case.
The State Solicitor for Co Limerick Aidan Judge told the court that the Director or Public Prosecutions had consented for Mr Geary to be sent forward for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Mr Judge also requested an amendment in respect of each of the four charge sheets, to replace, “on November 15th, 2010” with “on or about November 15th, 2010”.
The book of evidence comprising three volumes and spanning more than 600 pages was served on Mr Geary.
Mr Judge said there was no consent to bail in the case.
His solicitor John Herbert applied for free legal aid to include a senior and junior counsel.
Judge Mary O’Halloran granted the request and remanded Mr Geary in continued custody to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Judge O’Halloran also issued Mr Geary with the alibi warning which means he must inform the State of any potential alibi witnesses within two weeks.