A 25-year old man has appeared before Naas District Court charged with the murder of Roy Hopkins.
Robert Broughan, with an address at 670 St Patrick Park, Rathangan, Co Kildare, appeared before the court in Naas this afternoon shortly after 3pm.
Wearing a white T-shirt and dark track suit bottoms, Broughan had his hair tied up.
Det Garda Seamus Doyle of Newbridge Garda Station told Judge Desmond Zaidan that at about 2pm today he charged Broughan with murder.
Det Doyle then cautioned Broughan, and said Broughan’s reply after caution was: “Are we going to Naas?”
It is alleged that on Friday night Broughan assaulted Roy Hopkins with a blunt instrument at the Glenaree Bridge, Rathangan, Co Kildare.
Following the alleged assault Roy Hopkins died.
In court, Judge Zaidan asked Broughan’s solicitor, Conal Boyce: “Does he appreciate what he’s charged with?”
Mr Boyce replied: “Yes.”
Broughan, who works as a landscaper, was remanded in custody in Cloverhill Prison to appear before court via video link on Thursday, August 6.
Judge Zaidan extended his sympathies to the victim and those who knew him.
Mr Zaidan said: “A fellow citizen has lost his life.
“I want to extend my sympathies to the victim and his friends.”
It is understood Mr Hopkins was 34 and lived in Rathangan.
