A Romanian man was charged with the murder of Limerick pensioner Rose Hanrahan at a special court sitting Thursday night.
Alexandru Iordache, 45, was extradited to Ireland from the UK on Thursday afternoon and brought to Limerick District Court, where he was charged with the murdering the 78-year-old widow between December 14 and 15, 2017.
Ms Hanrahan, who lived alone, was found by relatives in her home at New Road, Thomondgate, Limerick, on December 15, 2017.
Mr Iordache, with an address at Dreptatii Street, Bucharest, Romania, who wore a navy jacket, maroon jumper, beige trousers and dark runners, did not speak in court.
He silently stood throughout the 10-minute hearing, listening to a Romanian interpreter relay to him proceedings.
14 members of the victim’s family and supporters were present in the court, which was attended by a number of gardai, including the head of the Limerick Garda Division, Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche, as well as Superintendent Derek Smart and Superintendent Dermot O’Connor.
Detective Garda Enda Haugh, Mayorstone Garda Station, told the court he arrested the accused at Dublin Airport at 4.10pm Thursday, “on foot of an arrest warrant for the murder of Rose Hanrahan”.
Detective Haugh said it was explained to the accused in his native language why he was being arrested, and said “he indicated he understood”.
He said he conveyed Mr Iordache to Henry Street garda station in Limerick city, and charged him there at 7.56pm, Thursday night.
The court heard the accused did not reply when charged with Ms Hanrahan’s murder.
Garda Colin Dodd, of Dowra Garda Station, Co Cavan, told the court he later arrested Mr Iordache at Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick “on foot of 12 outstanding warrants, relating to theft matters”.
The accused made no reply to any of the 12 charges, the court heard.
Inspector Bill Wallace, Henry Street garda station, told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed the accused face “trial on indictment” in relation to all of the charges, including that Mr Iordache face trial on indictment on the murder charge “at the Central Criminal Court”.
Solicitor John Herbert, defending, said he was not seeking bail.
Judge Marian O’Leary remanded the accused in custody to appear before Limerick District Court on January 21, and directed a certified Romanian interpreter be present for Mr Iordache’s appearance.
