A MAN appeared in court at the weekend charged with the murders of his five-month-old baby daughter, a three-year-old boy, his former partner and another woman at a house in Co Limerick.
More than 300 people gathered outside Newcastle West courthouse for the special court sitting at lunchtime on Saturday.
John Geary (31), Meadow Court, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, but originally from Milford, Co Cork, was brought to court an hour before proceedings got under way.
There was a large Garda presence outside the courthouse.
With his right arm in a sling, Mr Geary sat with his head bowed as gardaí gave details of arresting him and formally charging him on Friday night with the four murders.
He is charged with the murder of Sarah Hines (25), Amy Hines (five months), Reece Hines (3) and Alicia Brough (20) at Hazelgrove, Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, on November 15th.
Four members of Ms Hines’s family, including her father Christopher and her brother Chris (23), were in court for the hearing.
Garda Sgt John Flanagan, Garda David Gee, Garda Sgt Alberta McWalter and Garda Jeremiah O’Sullivan from Newcastle West gave evidence of arresting and formally charging him with the four murders at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick city shortly before 7pm on Friday.
The court was told that Mr Geary made no reply to any of the charges.
Solicitor John Herbert was assigned by Judge Mary O’Halloran to represent the him.
Supt Dan Flavin requested Mr Geary be remanded in custody to Rathkeale District Court sitting in Newcastle West on November 26th.
Judge O’Halloran ordered Mr Geary be afforded any medical assistance he required while in custody and remanded him until next Friday at 11am.