A man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of Mark Desmond in a shooting four years ago.
The 41-year-old was blasted several times in West Dublin on December
2, 2016.
The deceased was originally from the Lally Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
The gun attack occurred when he went to Griffeen Valley Park, Lucan. A burnt-out car was found nearby after the shooting.
Charles McClean, 32, was arrested and charged on Wednesday with Mr Desmond’s murder.
He appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court.
Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove told Judge Blake that McClean’s reply to the charge was “no comment”.
Judge Blake asked if formal directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions had been obtained.
Detective Sergeant Cosgrove said they will be available in a week. Judge Blake remanded McClean, of St Mark’s Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin, who has not yet indicated how he will plead, in custody to appear again next Wednesday for the directions to be outlined.
He also acceded to a request from defence counsel Aoife O’Halloran (instructed by solicitor Michael French) to grant legal aid to the accused.
A book of evidence has to be completed and formal directions must be given by the DPP before McClean can be returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
The accused, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke briefly through his face mask.
At the start of the hearing he said “good afternoon” and at the end he thanked the judge for approving his legal aid request.
The district court cannot consider a bail application in a murder case. An application for bail would have to be made in the High Court if he is looking to get released pending his trial.
