LAST UPDATE | 16 Apr 2025

TWO MEN AND a teenager have appeared before the court charged in connection with the death of Willie Moorehouse in Bray.

The three accused came before Judge David Kennedy at Arklow District court this morning.

Patrick Fitzpatrick (33) with an address of Old Court, Bray, Co. Wicklow, was charged with the murder of Willie Moorehouse in the playground at Ballywaltrim in Bray, Co. Wicklow on 19 January.

24-year-old James Fell, of Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow, was charged with production of articles likely to cause harm and violent disorder.

The teenager, who cannot be named to protect his identity, was also charged with production of articles likely to cause harm and violent disorder on the same occasion.

Det. Garda Ger Brennan told the court that he arrested Patrick Fitzpatrick at Bray Garda Station. He gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He outlined the charge of murder to the accused, and handed him a true copy of the charge.

The accused replied “bullshit” to the murder charge and “I just want to talk to my solicitor” after he was charged with the violent disorder, Brennan said.

The solicitor for the accused said there would be no application for bail.

On the application of Sergt. Tony Flynn, Judge Kennedy said he would remand the accused in custody to appear before Bray District Court tomorrow (Thursday) via video link.

The Solicitor for the accused applied for free legal aid stating that the accused was not working. He also asked that he be given medical attention at Cloverhill Prison.
Judge Kennedy granted the application.

Det. Gada Brian Coen gave evidence of having arrested James Fell at Greystones Garda Station on Tuesday 15 January.

He told the court of having arrested, charged and cautioned the accused, and charged him with violent disorder and production of an aricle.

He said that the accused made no reply to the first charge but said “that’s bullshit, that’s is” to the second. The maximum sentence is ten years.

The solicitor of the accused said they were making an application for bail.

Coen said that gardaí were objecting to the bail application given the seriousness of the charge before the court.

Coen outlined the previous convictions to the court in relation to the accused, stating that should he be granted bail he would re-offend.

However the solicitor of the accused said that he is working at present, adding that he would agree to sign on daily at a garda station, and also provide a telephone number.

Mark Maguire, defence solicitor for James Fell, suggested the issue of identity may not be certain and would be a matter for the trial.

He said his client is working, protests his innocence and can provide an address.

Judge Kennedy said he would grant bail on strict conditions.

He ordered that the accused provide a permanent address, sign on daily at Coolock Garda Station, provide a telephone number that is accessible at any time, that he stay away from others involved, and also stay out of Bray save for court appearances, and stay away from his co-accused.

The teenager was brought before the court after Judge Kennedy asked all in attendance not involved in the case to vacate the court.

Det. Garda John Hall told the court of having arrested the young person at Wicklow Garda Station yesterday.

Hall gave evidence of having given the young person details of arrest, charge and caution, he outlined to the accused the charge of violent disorder.

Hall added he made no reply to the charge.

An application for bail was made by the solicitor of the accused, Mark Maguire, who said his client maintains he was not involved in the incident himself, though he admits he was at the scene.

He added that because the accused is a juvenile there is a higher duty of care from the court.

He said the boy is resident in a care home where there is appropriate support.

Hall said that gardaí were objecting to bail. He outlined to the court the accused’s previous offences, stating that he was currently before the court on thirty-four charges including the charge before today’s court.

In relation to the incident for which the accused appeared before court today, Hall said that Willie Moorehouse was stabbed on a number of occasions.

He said that CCTV footage was viewed in relation to the affray from which the accused was identified.

Hall explained that should the accused be granted bail, he was of the opinion that he would not sign on, as he had gone missing on a number of occasions from the care home.

Judge Kennedy said he would refuse the application for bail.

He remanded the accused in custody to Oberstown to appear via video link before Bray District Court tomorrow.

Willie Moorehouse was found dead in a child playgrounds in Bray in January.

The body of Willie Moorehouse was found in Ballywaltrim playground in Bray on 19 January 2025.

The 36-year-old was a father of six and his partner was pregnant with his seventh child at the time.

Four people were arrested yesterday as part of the inquiry, while a woman in her 50s, was released without charge, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.