An undertaker appeared in court today charged with illegally exhuming the body of a 95-year old man from a grave in Co Limerick.
Donal Daffy, (59), of Skagh, Croom, Co Limerick, appeared at Newcastle West District Court accused of carrying out the exhumation without a licence on February 26th, 2011.
Mr Daffy is alleged to have illegally exhumed the body of Joseph ‘Josie’ Graham, (95), at Clounanna Cemetery, Patrickswell.
Mr Graham died two years prior to the exhumation.
Following the alleged illegal exhumation, Mr Graham’s remains were allegedly reburied in St Mary’s Cemetery, another cemetery in Patrickswell, located on the outskirts of Limerick city.
The case follows a lengthy investigation by gardaí and officials from Limerick County Council.
If convicted under the Local Government Act (Sanitary Services) of 1948, Mr Daffy faces a maximum jail sentence of six months and or a maximum fine not exceeding €63.48.
Kate Cussen, for Mr Daffy, applied for an adjournment and requested Garda statements in the case.
Insp Eamon O’Neil of Askeaton Garda station said all relevant statements were available and would be immediately supplied.
Ms Cussen said the accused had, as yet, not given instructions as to whether or not he would be contesting the charge.
Judge Mary O’Halloran adjourned the case until February 14th.