The State has been given its last chance to complete the book of evidence in the case of a Dublin teenager charged with the murder of schoolgirl Michaela Davis.
Jonathan Byrne (19) of Lohunda Downs, Clonsilla in Dublin, is accused of murdering Michaela Davis (12) on the Porterstown Road, in west Dublin on August 28th.
He was charged with her murder on August 30th and was remanded in custody.
At Cloverhill District Court today, Mr Byrne was further remanded for the fifth time pending the preparation of a book of evidence by the State.
The defendant, who wore a dark top and dark trousers and was accompanied by members of his family, did not speak during the brief court appearance.
Det Sgt Daniel Callaghan of Blanchardstown Garda station asked Judge Bridget Reilly for an extension of time for the book of evidence to be completed and served on the defendant. He said he needed another “fortnight or three weeks at the outside.”
Defence counsel Austin O Briain consented to the Garda’s application for an extension of time but requested that the case would be marked peremptory against the State.
Judge Reilly adjourned the case and remanded the defendant to appear before the same court again on December 7th. She also consented to the defence request.
This means the book of evidence must be ready to be served on the accused at his next court appearance otherwise the prosecution against him could be struck out.
The body of Michaela Davis was found on the bank of the Royal Canal close to her home in Porterstown.