Man and woman appear in court charged in connection with Birchwood murder investigation - The Munster Express

Man and woman appear in court charged in connection with Birchwood murder investigation All Front Page News The Munster Express

A man and woman arrested in connection with a fatal house fire in Waterford city this week have appeared in court.

Cian Stacey (21) of no fixed abode, Jessica Dalton (31) with an address in Waterford city appeared before Judge Andrew Gubbins at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court this afternoon. (17 October) They have both been charged with alleged criminal damage, and two counts each of alleged assault causing serious harm, against individuals who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Philip and Kim English and their sons Callum (12) and Jayden (9) died after a fire broke out at their home in Birchwood housing estate, Waterford city, shortly after 5.00am last Tuesday 13 October. Two more of their children were admitted to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin for treatment of critical injuries.

Gardaí launched a murder investigation in the aftermath of the fatal house fire, and it was confirmed last Thursday 15 October that a man and woman had been arrested in connection with the incident.

In court, Detective Sergeant Michael Bourke gave evidence of the arrest, charge, and caution of Jessica Dalton. Det. Sgt. Bourke stated that he formally arrested and charged Jessica Dalton at 2.19pm on Saturday 17 October at Waterford Garda Station.

Inspector Niall Daly informed the court that the state was seeking for Dalton to be remanded in custody.

Acting for the defendant, barrister Ciaran Murphy BL stated that Dalton would be reserving her position on bail. The barrister sought for Dalton to be remanded in custody to be produced at Waterford District Court next Tuesday 20 October.

Jessica Dalton (31) being brought into Clonmel Courthouse by Gardaí last Saturday 17 October.

Mr. Murphy made an application for legal aid as Dalton is not working and is a lone parent.

Judge Gubbins granted this application and remanded Dalton to appear before Waterford District Court next Tuesday.

Detective Sergeant Brian O’Callaghan gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution against Cian Stacey. Det Sgt O’Callaghan arrested and formally charged Stacey at 2.44pm on Saturday 17 October.

Also acting on behalf of Stacey, Mr Murphy stated that his client was seeking to be remanded in custody to Waterford District Court next Tuesday by video link.

The barrister made an application for legal aid on behalf of Stacey, given the seriousness of the charges, but informed the court that his client is working and earns around €600 a week. Judge Gubbins granted this application, subject to a statement of means being handed in at his next court appearance.

Mr Murphy told the judge that Stacey was seeking to be remanded to Cork Prison. However, Judge Gubbins stated that the court has no jurisdiction over what prison a defendant is sent to.

Cian Stacey (21) being led into Clonmel Courthouse by Gardaí on Saturday 17 October.

The barrister added that Stacey suffers from depression and made an application for him to be psychiatrically evaluated on arrival at his place of detention.

Judge Gubbins granted this application and remanded the accused in custody to appear before Waterford District Court next Tuesday 20 October via video link.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Robyn Power, The Munster Express - Munster Express Submit a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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