Man (40) charged with murder following fatal assault in Dublin hostel

24-year-old man allegedly assaulted in hostel on Harrington Street died later from his injuries

Gardaí at the property in Harrington Street where the alleged assault took place. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos
Gardaí at the property in Harrington Street where the alleged assault took place. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos

A 40-year-old man has been remanded in custody after gardaí charged him with the murder of a man in a hostel in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday.

Gardaí responded to a report of a man with serious injuries following an assault at the premises on Harrington Street in south inner city Dublin at 4.45am.

Jamie Kavanagh, 24, who had separate accommodation in the same building but was believed to be from Clondalkin, was taken to St James’s Hospital and later died from his injuries.

Robert Murphy was detained at Kevin Street Garda station and charged on Thursday with the murder of Mr Kavanagh.

READ MORE

He appeared before Judge John Hughes at a late sitting of Dublin District Court.

Dressed in a navy sweater, grey tracksuit bottoms, and black shoes, he stood silently throughout the hearing, which members of Mr Kavanagh’s family also attended.

Det Sgt Tim O’Sullivan gave evidence of the arrest and charging of Mr Murphy.

He said the accused was charged at 3.09pm after directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were received.

He said that the accused “made no reply after caution”.

The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in a murder case which requires a High Court application.

Judge Hughes remanded Mr Murphy, who is yet to indicate a plea, in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr Murphy, originally from west Dublin, will face his next hearing via video link on April 26th at Cloverhill District Court.

Defence solicitor Katie Dowling said her client had “certain medical needs”, and she believed he required medical care in prison custody. Judge Hughes agreed to her request to direct attention for Mr Murphy.

Legal aid was granted after the court heard Mr Murphy was unemployed and getting social welfare.