Limerick man (62) again remanded in Mary O’Keeffe murder case
A 62 year old Limerick man has been further remanded in custody in connection with the murder of a 72 year old Dromahane woman whose body was found in a burning car in a forest in North Cork earlier this month.
Michael Leonard from Hillcrest, Glenosheen, Kilmallock, Co Limerick made his second appearance in court last Friday in connection with the death of mother of three, Mary O’Keeffe (72) from Dromahane near Mallow.
Mr Leonard was first charged with the murder of Ms O’Keeffe at Dromdeer East, Doneraile, on February 4th 2021 when he appeared before Judge Marie Keane a special sitting of Fermoy District Court on February 7th 2021.
On that occasion, Det Sgt James O’Shea told the court that Mr Leonard made no reply when the charge was put to him after caution and Insp Tony Sullivan applied for a remand in custody for Mr Leonard to appear at Cork District Court by video link last Friday.
When Mr Leonard appeared at Cork District Court from Cork Prison, he spoke only to confirm that he could hear and see proceedings in the court as Sgt Gearoid Davis applied for a further remand to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence which, he said, would take some considerable time.
Mr Leonard’s solicitor, Kevin Power, said that while he had consulted with his client just before the court appearance he had been unable to make contact with Mr Leonard in custody due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Judge Olann Kelleher said that Mr Power, as Mr Leonard’s solicitor, should be facilitated with regard to any consultations he sought and he said he should bring it to the court if he has any problems getting to meet with him at Cork Prison.
Sgt Davis applied for a two week adjournment and Judge Kelleher granted the application, remanding Mr Leonard in continuing custody to appear again at Cork District Court on February 26th, again by video link.