A 56-year-old Cork man has appeared before the District Court charged with the murder of Mark O’Connell, a 38-year-old father of three, following a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in the city almost a year ago.
Court Appearance and Murder Charge in Cork
Kieran Long, of 65 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, stood before Judge David Waters at Cork District Court on Wednesday, October 7. Detective Garda Mick Dolan provided evidence of arresting Mr Long at his home in Hollyhill on Tuesday night, October 6, before taking him to Gurranabraher Garda Station where the formal charge was put to him.
When the murder charge and caution were formally administered, Mr Long made no reply, Detective Garda Dolan testified in court.
Mr O'Connell Died After Suffering Serious Stab Wounds
Emergency services originally responded to the Hollyville address in Hollyhill at 4:30 AM on November 16 last year, discovering Mr O’Connell suffering from serious stab wounds. Paramedics transferred him to Cork University Hospital, where he subsequently passed away. The wound caused internal bleeding into the cavity between the lung and the chest wall as well as into the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.
During the court session, Sergeant David Fleming informed Judge Waters that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed a trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court. The DPP also consented to a signed plea of guilty being entered at the district court for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court should that situation arise.
Defense Solicitor Plans Bail Application in High Court
Because the district court lacks jurisdiction to grant bail on a murder charge, no bail application was heard during the hearing. Defense solicitor Shane Collins-Daly addressed the court regarding his client’s position on the matter.
“He understands the district court cannot grant bail in this case which is unfortunate as he has cooperated from the outset and has instructed me to make an application for bail in the High Court.”
Shane Collins-Daly, The Irish Times
Mr Collins-Daly added further context regarding the defense strategy and his client’s stance on the allegations:
“He will be pleading not guilty. He has maintained his innocence at all times on this allegation.”
Shane Collins-Daly, echo live
The defense solicitor also noted that a book of evidence will be required for the proceedings. Judge David Waters formally remanded Kieran Long in custody to appear before Cork District Court again by video-link on October 14.
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