Limerick murder accused applies for bail in the High Court

A MAN accused of the murder of a Limerick pensioner has been refused bail in the High Court, Limerick District Court heard.

Philip Ambrose, aged 43, of no fixed abode was charged with the murder of Michael Hayes, aged 71, contrary to Common Law at St Michael’s Court, Watergate, Limerick city on July 10.

READ NEXT: Limerick man faces 29 charges over thefts from cars in city suburbs

He was brought before a special late-night court sitting on July 12 where Garda Aoife Quinn gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the defendant before Judge Alex Gabbett.

Mr Ambrose was remanded in custody on that date as applications for bail on murder charges can only be made in the High Court.

The accused man appeared before Judge Fiona Brennan via video-link at a vacation sitting of Limerick District Court on August 27.

Solicitor John Herbert, who represented Mr Ambrose, informed the judge that his client had been refused bail in the High Court.

Sergeant Aisling O’Neill, prosecuting, said formal Director of Public Prosecutions directions are still outstanding and applied for a further remand in custody.

Judge Brennan said: “I don’t see why we are still awaiting DPP’s directions.” The judge asked Mr Herbert his view on matters.

“Extraordinarily strange,” said Mr Herbert. The matter was left stand. When it was called later in the court sitting, Sgt O’Neill said verbal consent was given by the DPP to charge Mr Ambrose in July. 

The prosecuting sergeant said documentation in relation to the investigation has been sent to the DPP’s office.

“The charge is what is referred to as a holding charge, which was verbally sanctioned,” said Sgt O’Neill.

Judge Brennan remanded Mr Ambrose in continuing custody to September 9 for service of the book of evidence.