Man appears in court charged over death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs

LAST UPDATE | 15 Apr

A 57-YEAR-OLD man has been charged in connection with the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs on Sunday. 

James Spendley of St Cummins Hill, Killybegs, appeared in custody before Judge Sandra Murphy at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court at 2pm this afternoon. 

Detective Garda Niall Brady of Ballyshannon Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He told the court that he arrested the defendant at 4.08am today. At 4.47 am he formally charged and cautioned Spendley with Section 4 Assault causing harm under the Non-fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. 

He said Spendley made no reply after the caution and charge. 

Wearing a dark grey hoodie, grey trousers and grey runners, the accused sat with his arms folded during the brief court hearing.

He has been in custody since his arrest yesterday. 

Mr Friel, who was in his 60s, was found dead at his bungalow home in Harbour View, Killybegs, shortly after midday on Sunday. 

Defence solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern made no application for bail and said there were other ongoing matters that were “three quarters sorted.” 

Sergeant Derek Butler applied to have the accused remanded in custody to next appear within eight days. 

Judge Murphy remanded Spendley in custody to next appear before Sligo District Court via video link tomorrow 16 April. 

She then indicated he will then be further remanded to Sligo District Court on 24 April. 

Spendley said “Thank you” to the judge. 

Mr McGovern applied for legal aid for his client who he said was currently on Disability as “he has a condition.” 

Legal aid was assigned to Mr McGovern by Judge Murphy and Spendley was then led from court into custody.