The 18-year-old son of slain Limerick criminal Kieran Keane appeared on a charge of murder in Limerick District Court yesterday.
Joseph Keane, Greenhills Road, Garryowen, Limerick, appeared before Judge Tom O'Donnell charged with the murder of Darren Coughlan (18) at Old Cratloe Road, Limerick, on November 4th, 2005. He was further charged with withholding information in relation to the Garda investigation into Mr Coughlan's death.
The teenager, from Pineview Gardens, Moyross, died in hospital a few days after he was attacked and beaten by a gang of youths.
Garda Joseph O'Sullivan told Limerick District Court that Joseph Keane was arrested yesterday afternoon and was brought to Mayorstone Garda station. When formally charged by gardaí, he replied "no comment", the court heard.
Wearing a white tracksuit top, the accused did not speak during yesterday's brief hearing.
His mother, Sophie Keane, widow of Kieran Keane, was present in court for her son's appearance.
Defence solicitor John Herbert told the court he wished to reserve his position in relation to an application for legal aid.
Judge O'Donnell consented to a Garda application to have the accused remanded in custody for a period of one week. He noted that the charge before the court was one of murder and said any application for bail should be made in the High Court.
He remanded the accused in custody to appear again before Limerick District Court on December 20th at 10.30am.
Two other youths are currently before the courts charged with the same murder.
Richard Treacy (18) and Shane Kelly (18), both of St Mary's Park, Limerick, were arrested two months ago and have since been sent forward for trial.