Man charged with body parts murder further remanded

Kieran Green (32) is alleged to have murdered Patricia O'Connor at the family home in south Dublin. He is the partner of Ms O'Connor's daughter.

Ms O'Connor's dismembered remains were found scattered across a 30km area of the Wicklow Mountains in June. It is alleged she was killed at the end of May.

Mr Green, of Mountain View Park, Churchtown, is charged with the murder of Ms O'Connor at a time unknown between May 29 and May 30.

Det Gda David Connolly told a previous court sitting that, when charged with murder, Mr Green replied: "It was self- defence."

He must apply to the High Court for bail on a murder charge.

Suspicious

The accused made his fourth appearance on the charge when he appeared via videolink at Cloverhill District Court.

Mr Green spoke only to confirm his name and that he could see and hear the court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions' directions have been sought in relation to the murder charge.

Judge Kathryn Hutton further remanded Mr Green in custody to appear before Clov- erhill District Court on a date next month.

Ms O'Connor, a mother-of-two and a grandmother, worked as a chef in a south Dublin hospital.

She was first reported missing on June 2, but at the time her disappearance was not considered suspicious.

Nine body parts were subsequently found scattered over a 30km area across the Wicklow Mountains, including a head and arms in a plastic bag.

A family out walking initially discovered the torso in a plastic bag near Military Road and a major investigation was launched.

Mr Green has not yet indicated a plea to the charge.