A MAN HAS been charged with assaulting and falsely imprisoning Patryk Krupa, whose body was discovered in the River Shannon near Athlone on Friday night.

Lezek Scychulec appeared at a special sitting of the District Court in Athlone this evening.

The 32-year-old was remanded in custody to appear again at a sitting of the District Court in Cloverhill on 27 June.

When he arrived at the court today, Scychulec was heckled by a small crowd, including members of Krupa’s family and the Polish community.

A 20-year-old man arrested earlier remains in custody in Athlone Garda Station.

He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Athlone Garda Station.

Two men detained in Mullingar were released without charge overnight.

Files will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The body of the 23-year-old Polish man was discovered partially submerged in water at the River Shannon in an area known as Bogginfin on Friday night.

Superintendent Noreen Hegarty has appealed to the public for information relating to both incidents.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or to anyone who can assist with the investigation to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 6498550, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Additional reporting by Órla Ryan

Originally published 2.30pm

Read: Three men still in custody in relation to body recovered from River Shannon