Book of Evidence served on Castlebar murder accused

A CASTLEBAR man charged with the murder of an 83-year-old neighbour was served with the Book of Evidence today when he appeared in the local District Court before being sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.

Kevin McHale (63) of Annagh, Castlebar is charged with the murder of John Brogan at Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar on March 5 last and has also been charged with arson.

Mr Brogan was found by emergency services who responded to a fire at the address and it was subsequently discovered that he had been shot dead. Mr McHale was arrested shortly after the discovery of the body and subsequently charged with Mr Brogan's murder.

At today's sitting of Castlebar District Court, Judge Fiona Lydon was told that the DPP has directed trial by indictment on both charges (murder and arson).

Garda Sean Ryan explained that he met the accused before the court and served him with the Book of Evidence. The Book of Evidence contains a comprehensive summary of the prosecution’s case against an accused in a criminal case.

The accused was sent forward by Judge Lydon to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court on strict bail conditions. There was no objection by the State when Mr McHale's solicitor Gary Mulchrone, applied for free legal aid for the accused on the grounds that he is a suitable applicant.

The judge said she was approving one junior counsel and one senior counsel.