Man accused of Collins murder served with book of evidence

ACCUSED Martin Earley is charged with the murder of Sandra Collins 13 years ago.?Pic: Brian Farrell

Man accused of Collins murder served with book of evidence


The north Mayo man charged with the murder of missing Killala woman Sandra Collins appeared before Ballina District Court today (Tuesday). He was served with the book of evidence by Detective Garda Edward Naughton.
Martin Earley of Bannagher, Carrowmore, Lacken, will stand trial for her murder at the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court.
The 48-year-old plasterer was charged on December 28, 2012 with the murder of Sandra Collins, who was 29 years old when she was last seen outside a chipper in Killala in December 2000.
During the brief hearing in Ballina District Court, Mr Vincent Deane, the State Solicitor for Mayo, was given permission to amend the charge to include the name Eleanor Patricia Collins, which Sandra Collins was also known by.
Mr Earley is accused of murdering Sandra Collins, also known as Eleanor Patricia Collins, on or around December 4, 2000, in a place unknown within the State.
Ms Collins went missing on the night of December 4, 2000, and despite an extensive search of the Killala area, her body has never been recovered. A few days after she went missing, her fleece jacket was found on the pier at Killala, but gardaí do not believe she took her own life;  it is believed that she was murdered.
The family of Ms Collins launched a number of appeals over the years seeking information into her disappearance, including poster and television appeals.
Mr Earley was arrested in December after returning to Mayo over the Christmas period, from England, where he worked, and was charged with her murder.
He was remanded in custody over the Christmas and New Year before he was released on High Court bail on January 18. Surety was provided by Mr John Golden and Mr Earley was released on bail to appear before the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court. He only spoke briefly to confirm he understood the alibi warning given to him by Judge Mary Devins.
Mr Alan Gannon, solicitor for the defendant said his client had worked as a plasterer in the UK and sent home money to support his estranged wife and three children. He said this job was now gone following his arrest and currently receiving €100 a week in community welfare support pending approval for social welfare.
Mr Gannon applied for free legal aid for his client, which was not objected to by the State. Judge Devins granted legal aid for one junior and one senior counsel.