A LIMERICK court heard that the murder charge on which a man is being detained in connection with the killing of a Limerick pensioner is a “holding charge”, and formal instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are still being awaited.
Philip Ambrose (43), of no fixed abode, is accused of the murder of 71-year-old Michael Hayes outside Mr Hayes’ home on St Michael’s Court, Watergate, in Limerick City on July 10.
Mr Ambrose was originally charged with Mr Hayes’ murder before a late-night sitting of Limerick District Court two days after the pensioner’s death.
He is currently being held in custody in Limerick Prison and last appeared by video link before Judge Fiona Brennan on August 27.
Judge Brennan was sitting in for the regular judges who preside over the District Court, while the courts are currently on annual holidays.
Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told Judge Brennan that the State, prosecuting Mr Ambrose, was seeking a further remand as no formal directions had yet been received from the DPP.
Asked by Judge Brennan why there was no formal direction about the charge in such a serious matter, Sergeant O’Neill told the court that after Mr Ambrose had been questioned by investigating Gardaí following the killing of Mr Hayes, the DPP’s office was contacted and a verbal consent given to charge Mr Ambrose.
“The documentation in relation to the investigation has been sent to the DPP’s office to be examined. The charge is what is referred to as a holding charge, which was verbally sanctioned,” Sergeant O’Neill told Judge Brennan.
The late Mr Hayes was found with critical injuries at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, in Limerick City, just metres from his home, and despite best efforts by paramedics and doctors he was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick hours later.
Judge Brennan remanded Mr Ambrose in custody until September 9 for a book of evidence to be prepared.
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