LAST UPDATE | 2 Jan

A 34-YEAR-OLD MAN has appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court tonight charged with murder following a fatal assault in New Ross.

Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominic Place, Waterford, and currently of no fixed address came before Judge John O’Leary in a late-night sitting of the court. 

He was charged with the murder of John O’Connor at O’Connor’s home in Cluain Fada, New Ross, County Wexford, on 31 December under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The defendant sat in court wearing a brown jumper, flanked by a garda during the brief hearing. There was a strong garda presence in the body of the court throughout the hearing. 

Detective Garda Conor Walsh gave evidence of arresting the accused at 2pm this afternoon.

He told the court that after arresting the accused and cautioning him in relation to the charge, Roche said, “I didn’t murder anyone.”

He said the application was for Roche to be remanded in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on 6 January at 10.30am via video link.

Judge O’Leary said as he has no jurisdiction to grant bail given the seriousness of the charge he would grant the application for a remand in custody.

Donna Kelly, defence barrister, said as the accused is unemployed she would make an application for free legal aid. Judge O’Leary said he would grant the application.

Kelly also asked the court to have included in the order for the prison governor that medical assistance be provided to the accused as required.

Judge O’Leary said he would make the provision as part of the custody.