BREAKING: Kildare man is charged with murder following death in Kilcock

A 38 year old man has appeared in court charged with murder at a County Kildare residence on Thursday last.

Ryan Kearney, whose address was given as 2 Loughnamona Drive, Leixlip, is being prosecuted for the  alleged murder of 50 year old Jeffrey Jackson, from Leixlip,  at 5 The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock.

He came before a special sitting of Naas District Court today.

Detective Sergeant Ger Moore gave evidence of arresting and charging the defendant who replied: “I stabbed Jeffrey, but I did not murder him. He was my friend. That’s it.”

The garda told the court the deceased died violently at around 4pm in an apartment and it is alleged that a knife was used.

Responding to a query from Judge Desmond Zaidan, the garda said that the defendant and the deceased are not blood relatives.

The court was also told the defendant is unemployed and is receiving disability allowance.

Solicitor Daniel Nolan requested a psychological assessment for the defendant, saying he had been diagnosed with both mental and physical ailments and he has documentary evidence of this.

The court was also told that the defendant was recently treated at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, where he was diagnosed with a heart-related infection.

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Remanding the defendant in custody to Cloverhill Prison, Judge Zaidan said he  would recommend that he receive psychiatric and psychological assessment but he could not compel the defendant to do this.

The judge also said he would request the prison authorities to liaise with the hospital.

He also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

The matter was adjourned to Naas District Court on February 14 when the defendant  will appear via video link.