Man charged with murder of 81-year-old woman in Dundalk

A 47-year-old man has appeared before Dundalk District Court charged with the murder of 81-year-old Pat Muckian.

Nicholas Muckian, with an address at Glenwood, Dundalk, was originally charged with assaulting three women causing them harm, at the same location, in Glenwood on Friday 3 May, and with unlawfully intimidating another person with a hatchet.

Garda Kate Brady, of Dundalk Garda Station, gave evidence that she further charged the accused at 10.50am this morning.

State Solicitor for County Louth Fergus Mullen, who appeared on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said in relation to the new charge of murder, the Section 3 assault charge could be withdrawn.

He added that it was expected the book of evidence would be served within a month.

Judge Mark O’Connell remanded Mr Muckian in custody for a week.

Defence solicitor Aimee McCumiskey asked that legal aid be extended to the new charge, and said her client’s preference was to be produced next week rather than appear by videolink.