Man in court over fatal stabbing of Brazilian woman
Tuesday October 27 2009
A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering Brazilian mother of three Joselita da Silva.
Marcio Goncalves da Silva, (30) of Tara Street, Tullamore, Co Offaly, was charged at 12.39am yesterday with the murder of the 33-year-old.
Ms da Silva was found dead in an apartment off Tara Street last Thursday evening.
Yesterday, Mr da Silva, who is not thought to be related to the dead woman, appeared at a special sitting of Tullamore District Court at 3pm.
He wore jeans and a v-neck jumper and remained silent throughout the hearing.
The defendant also had bandages on his neck and hand. He carried a book in his left hand and bowed his head during the hearing as an interpreter relayed the court proceedings.
Sergeant Declan Rock said the defendant made no comment when charged with the murder at Tullamore garda station. Superintendent Fergus Dwyer requested a one-week remand to Cloverhill Prison.
Solicitor Donal Farrelly asked for legal aid for his client who is currently unemployed. He also requested that the defendant be placed on "suicide watch" as, "at the time of the incident it appears that Mr da Silva injured himself intentionally", he commented.
Mr Farrelly further requested a psychiatric evaluation be carried out on the defendant.
Judge Gerard Haughton consented to legal aid and requested a psychiatric report. The man was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear before Cloverhill District Court on November 2.
- Eoghan McConnell
Irish Independent
