A man accused of murdering a Waterford mother of four in an apartment last April has been sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
Twenty-five year-old Danny Whelan originally from Thurles in Co Tipperary but listed as being of no fixed abode, is charged with murdering 31-year-old Samantha Walsh at an unknown time on or about April 28 last on Thomas Street in Waterford city. He made his fifth court appearance in relation to the charge on Monday morning, when the Book of Evidence was formally presented to him by the State.
Inspector Stephen O’Sullivan told Waterford district court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented on June 30 to Danny Whelan being sent forward for trial. Judge David Staunton said he would send him forward for trial, to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
The judge told the accused that if he intended to rely on alibi evidence in his trial, he would need to notify the prosecution within 14 days. Solicitor Colin Morrissey, for the accused, applied for free legal aid to cover two counsel as well as a solicitor and Judge Staunton acceded to this request.
Mr Whelan wore a grey top and trousers during the brief hearing and stood between two prison officers near the side of the courtroom while the proceedings took place. He was not called upon to speak.
Samantha Walsh was found dead in an apartment she was renting on Thomas Street in Waterford on the afternoon of Friday April 28. She was originally from the Lisduggan area of Waterford city and had four children.
