A MAN accused of murdering a retired soldier in Limerick City had to be told by a judge hearing his case to stop making ‘inappropriate’ comments and whistling in court.
The accused was remanded in continuing custody for service of a book of evidence in the State’s case against him.
Philip Ambrose (43), no fixed abode, is charged with the murder of pensioner Michael Hayes (71), outside Mr Hayes’ home at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, Limerick City, on July 10.
Mr Ambrose appeared before Limerick District Court via video link from Limerick Prison.
During the brief, hearing Ambrose was warned by Judge Carol Anne Coolican to stop making “inappropriate” comments. The judge also told Ambrose to stop whistling in court.
Ambrose confirmed his name and that he could hear and see the proceedings.
Prosecuting Garda Sergeant Denis Waters, Roxboro Road Garda Station, made an application, with consent from Mr Ambrose’s solicitor, for an extension of time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the service of the book of evidence.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican granted the application and remanded Ambrose in continuing custody to appear again before Limerick District Court for service for a book of evidence on September 23.
The court previously ordered the accused be psychologically assessed by a mental health professional.
The court flagged a letter written by a HSE official explaining that psychiatric assessments at St Joseph’s psychiatric campus in Limerick provide mental health assessments on a “part-time” basis and that an evaluation could take up to a month.
Gardaí told the court previously that Ambrose did not reply when charged with Mr Hayes’ murder.
Mr Hayes was a retired member of the 12th Infantry Battalion Defence Forces, Sarsfield Barracks, and a former member of Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) Post 6.
He was found with critical injuries near his home at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, at around 11.30pm on July 10, after an apparent assault.
Despite paramedics and doctors best efforts, Mr Hayes was pronounced dead at University Hospital Limerick shortly after.
The court was told that Mr Ambrose is in receipt of a disability allowance. He was granted free legal aid.
