Man (47) charged with murder of male last January

Accused remanded to appear before court again next Friday

Gerard Cruise leaving Dundalk court after being charged. Photograph: Alan Betson
Gerard Cruise leaving Dundalk court after being charged. Photograph: Alan Betson

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a male earlier this year.

Gerard Cruise, Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, appeared before a special sitting of Dundalk District Court on Sunday afternoon.

The court was told the 47-year-old accused man was arrested at 12.18am on Sunday and charged at 12.50am. When the charge was put to him by Det Sgt Peter Cooney the accused made no reply, Judge Éirinn McKiernan was told.

Mr Cruise is charged with the murder which happened in January. The accused man, who appeared in court wearing a black jacket, grey trainers and blue jeans, was represented by solicitor Eleanor Kelly.

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She made an application for legal aid to the court on the basis Mr Cruise was on disability allowance. Legal aid was granted.

Mr Cruise was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court, Dublin, next Friday, December 18th.

The court was asked by Ms Kelly that Mr Cruise receive any medical attention required while remanded in custody.

Reporting restrictions mean the victim whose death gave rise to the murder charge cannot be named at this time and no further details about his death can be disclosed at present.

Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times