LAST UPDATE | 15 Jul

A MAN CHARGED with the murder of Anthony Long in west Dublin earlier this month has been remanded in custody, and his legal team has sought an independent pathology report.

Darren McNamee (42), of Talbot Hall, Riverbank, Swords, north Dublin, was brought before Blanchardstown District Court on Wednesday morning following a garda investigation into the fatal incident.

The deceased, who was in his 40s, was seriously injured in an incident at Parslickstown Drive, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, in the early hours of 3 July.

Mr Long had attended a gathering at a house near his home when a confrontation broke out at around 3.55am. He was discovered at the scene with severe injuries.

Mr Long was rushed to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition, and died two days later.

Garda Shane Woods gave evidence that McNamee was arrested at Blanchardstown Garda Station just before 4am on Wednesday, when he indicated he understood.

He “made no reply” when charged.

Because the District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in murder cases -which require an application to the High Court – Mr McNamee was automatically remanded in custody by Judge McHugh.

Legal aid was granted after he was furnished with a statement of the defendant’s means.

Defence barrister Fiachra Treacy, instructed by solicitor Phelim O’Neill, applied for an independent pathology report to be provided, adding, “this is an incident that involved a number of people; the cause of death is paramount in these issues”.

Counsel said the defence had written a letter seeking the preservation of the report.

Judge McHugh canvassed Garda Woods, who replied that he did not have directions.

Acceding to the application, Judge McHugh said the charge was the most serious in the criminal code and that there appeared to be extensive forensics. He ordered that the report be preserved in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Dressed in a grey tracksuit and runners, Mr McNamee sat silently throughout the brief hearing and has yet to enter a plea.

He will appear again on 21 July via video link at Cloverhill District Court.