THE DPP has requested more time to prepare the book of evidence in the case of a man charged with the murder of Westmeath man Brian McGrath in 1987.
State solicitor Peter Jones asked Mullingar District Court to adjourn the case of Colin Pinder (46), Lorne Street, Liverpool, England, because “ongoing investigations regarding other suspects are being considered by the DPP”. He requested an adjournment of a further six weeks for Mr Pinder, who received High Court bail on his own surety of €1,000 on February 9th.
Mr Pinder, who does not have an address in Ireland, consented to the delay. He is charged with the murder of Mr McGrath (43) at Coole, Co Westmeath, between March 16th, 1987, and April 4th, 1987.
Mr McGrath disappeared from his home in spring 1987. Bones were found buried in a field near his home six years later.
Following DNA analysis of the bones, which were exhumed from Whitehall Cemetery in May last year, they were identified as those of Mr McGrath.
Mr Pinder was arrested and charged at Dublin airport on February 5th when he returned from England.
Judge John Neilan released him on continuing bail to appear before Mullingar District Court on June 18th.