Sanjeev Chada sent forward for trial

MEMORIAL Flowers laid at Clooneen, Rosbeg, Westport, last July after the bodies the Chada brothers Eoghan and Ruairí were found in the boot of a car that had crashed into the wall. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Sanjeev Chada sent forward for trial


Sanjeev Chada, who is charged with murdering his two young sons in Co Mayo on July 29, last has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court after being served with the Book of Evidence at Castlebar District Court yesterday (Wednesday, November 6).
Chada (43), from Ballinkillen, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, is accused of murdering his sons, Eoghan (10) and Ruairí (5) at Skehanagh, Ballintubber, on July 29 last.
Their bodies were discovered after Mr Chada’s car subsequently crashed into a stone wall at Clooneen, Rosbeg, Westport, hours after a nationwide alert had been implemented.
Mr Chada appeared before Judge Mary Devins at 11.13am after there was delay in his arrival from the Central Mental Hospital, Dublin. Wearing a striped green jumper and jeans, and with his long hair hanging loosely around his face, Mr Chada kept his head down during proceedings.  
Det Garda Gary Walsh gave evidence of serving the Book of Evidence.
Defence solicitor, James Hanley said his client was in receipt of legal aid and had no income.
When the case was first called at 10.30am, Judge Devins criticised the Prison Service for its tardiness in delivering the prisoner who, she noted was before court for a very serious matter: murder charges. When questioned on their arrival to the court 45 minutes later, a Prison Officer told the judge he had taken a wrong turn in Roscommon.
Judge Devins asked if the Prison Service had furnished the driver with a Satellite Navigator or an AA Route-finder.
When the officer said he hadn’t, she responded: “I am not impressed.”
Mr Chada’s wife, Kathleen, and two of her brothers sat at the rear of the court during the proceedings.