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Mother silent as she appears in court charged with murder of her son

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Mother silent as she appears in court charged with murder of her son

A 37-year-old Waterford mother has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of her son. Ruth Purcell Healy of Bishop’s Field, Williamstown, Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at Waterford District Court today.

Purcell Healy attended court for the presentation of the Book of Evidence which was available to the court. She is charged with the murder of her son, Matthew. She attended the court in person, dressed in a blue suit, accompanied by a garda. During the short hearing she did not speak as Judge Staunton read out the legal warnings to her.

Defence Solicitor, Ken Cunningham, said he would not be making an application for bail as it cannot be granted in the District Court. However, he would reserve the right to make an application on a later date, as Ms Purcell Healy is receiving treatment at the Central Mental Hospital. He said the application for bail could be made in the future.

READ MORE: Dad of tragic Matthew Healy, 6, remembers son ahead of birthday: ‘He loved life and packed a lot in’

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Judge Staunton was told by prosecuting garda that there was one amendment made to the charge sheet, to which Mr. Cunningham said he was aware of the application. The application was that the night in question be amended to show both dates inclusive.

This amendment was accepted by Judge Staunton. Judge Staunton said he would remand the accused in custody to appear before the current sittings of the Central Criminal court. Judge Staunton also gave Ms Purcell Healy an alibi warning, reminding her that she had fourteen days to give notice of an alibi to the State.

He also issued a Section 56 order pertaining to evidence. Matthew Healy was found unresponsive around midnight on February 9, 2024, near Rathmoylan Cove, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, and was later pronounced dead at University Hospital Waterford.

On Tuesday last, Ms Purcell Healy appeared before Waterford District Court via video link before Judge John Cheatle. It was her first appearance in court since she was charged with the murder of her son in February, 2024.

Six-year-old Matthew was a senior infant pupil at Faithlegg National School and his death was met with profound shock throughout the area.

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