BALLYDUFF MURDER ACCUSED APPEARS IN COURT

A 62-YEAR-OLD farmer has been charged with murdering a neighbouring landowner following an incident involving a car and a tele-porter farm vehicle in north Kerry on Tuesday morning.

Michael Ferris of Rattoo, Ballyduff appeared before Judge James O’Connor at Tralee District Court on Wednesday morning charged with the murder of Anthony O’Mahony (74) of Ardoughter, Ballyduff at Rattoo shortly before 9am on the morning of Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

Detective Sergeant John Heaslip told the court that the accused man made no reply when he was charged at Listowel Garda Station in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Judge James O’Connor remanded Michael Ferris in custody to appear again at Tralee District Court next Wednesday, April 12.

The issue of bail did not arise at Wednesday’s District Court hearing as bail in murder cases can only be dealt with by the High Court.

Michael Ferris’ solicitor Risteárd Pierse indicated that his client intends to apply for bail at the High Court. He added that Mr Ferris understood that he would be remanded in custody after Wednesday’s hearing.

Mr Pierse – who said he had consulted with Michael Ferris’ GP – also asked Judge O’Connor to ensure that appropriate medical care is provided to Mr Ferris while he is in custody as there are “concerns about his mental state.”

The solicitor told Judge O’Connor he did not wish to go into any further details about Mr Ferris’ medical issues at this stage.

Dressed in a grey suit and blue shirt, Mr Ferris did not speak during the brief, five minute, hearing.

Photo Domnick Walsh Eye Focus Det Sgt John Heaslip escorts murder accused Michael Ferris (centre) into Tralee Courthouse ahead of last Wednesday morning’s sitting of Tralee District Court.