A MAN HAS appeared in court today, charged with the murder of 12-year-old Michaela Davis over the weekend.

18-year-old Jonathan Byrne of 24 Lohunda Downs in Clonsilla, Dublin, appeared in Dublin District Court earlier this morning. He will be remanded in custody until next Friday, when he will appear at Clover Hill District Court.

The schoolgirl’s body was discovered beside the Royal Canal in thick undergrowth by a man walking his dog on Saturday afternoon. A post-mortem confirmed she had been sexually attacked and strangled.

Byrne’s defence solicitor Eugene Dunne applied for and was granted free legal aid. Dunne also requested his client be given medical attention.

Meanwhile, Luttrellstown Community College in Blanchardstown – where Michaela had just begun secondary school – has announced that a psychological support service for students has been set up.

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Man charged in court with Michaela Davis murder

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.