15/11/2012

Aoife Phelan Murder Accused Granted Legal Aid

A lorry driver accused of the murder of Aoife Phelan in Co Laois last month has been granted free legal aid after a court heard that his haulage business is being wound up.

24-year-old Robert Corbet, of Sheffield Cross, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois had shook his head and said “no” when he was charged last week. He has been accused of murdering the 30-year-old nanny at Capoley, Portlaoise, on October 25, the date of her disappearance.

Her body was found concealed in a bin buried in a pit on the outskirts of the Co Laois town on November 7 last.

Mr Corbet appeared today at Cloverhill District Court before Judge Grainne Malone.

At his first court hearing there had been a Garda objection to free legal aid being granted on the grounds that Mr Corbet owns a haulage business.

However, Judge Malone was told that the objection was being dropped. Detective Sergeant John Healy told the judge that “the haulage business is in the process of being wound up”.

Mr Corbet was granted legal aid and the defence consented to him being further remanded in custody for four weeks. His next hearing will take place at Cloverhill District Court on December 13.

(H)


Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 March 2024
Economy Minister To Promote NI In New York And Washington
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, will highlight the benefits of Northern Ireland's business and economic opportunities during an official visit to New York and Washington DC.
03 September 2013
Gardaí Officer Charged Over Child Abuse Images
A serving gardaí officer has been charged with possession of 655 child sexual abuse images. It is understood that the charges relate to images and movies of child abuse, child exposure and computer generated images.
15 August 2012
Judge Orders 14-Year-Old To Remain Sober
A 14-year-old boy charged with public order offences has been ordered to remain sober and obey a curfew. The teenager appeared at the Children's Court accused of being intoxicated to such an extent he was a danger to himself and others.
31 July 2017
Legal Aid Fees Should Be Waived Domestic Violence Cases - FF
Legal aid fees in domestic violence applications should be waived to guarantee legal representation for victims, Fianna Fail Senator and Seanad Spokesperson for Justice, Lorraine Clifford-Lee has said.
31 August 2016
Ireland Must Recover €13bn In 'Illegal Aid' From Apple
Ireland granted Apple "undue tax benefits of up to €13 billion", according to a new ruling by the European Commission (EC). The EC launched an in-depth state aid investigation in June 2014, which has now ruled that two tax rulings issued by Ireland to Apple substantially and artificially lowered the tax paid by Apple in Ireland since 1991.