Man (34) charged with murder of John O’Connor in New Ross, Co Wexford

A 34-year-old man appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday charged with murder following a fatal assault in New Ross, Wexford.

Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominic Place, Waterford, and currently of no fixed address came before Judge John O’Leary.

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

Det. Garda Conor Walsh gave evidence of arresting the accused at 2pm on Thursday.

He told the court of having arrested the accused and having cautioned him in relation to the charge the accused said: “I didn’t murder anyone”.

He said the application was for a remand in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Monday January 6th, 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.

Ms 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.

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