Limerick man charged with murder following nightclub stabbing

A YOUNG Limerick man was remanded in custody after he appeared in court charged with murdering another Limerick man at a nightclub in Shannon last year.

Nathan O’Neill, 20, of no fixed abode, appeared before Ennis District Court this Tuesday morning after he was charged with the murder of Jamie Higgins on March 18, 2018 at the Shannon Knights licensed premises at Tullyvarraga, Shannon contrary to Common Law.

Mr Higgins, 23, who was originally from Dooradoyle died at University Hospital Limerick a short time after he was stabbed during an altercation at around 2am. 

The deceased have previously attended Crescent College Comprehensive and was known to be heavily involved in sport, including rugby and soccer. 

The defendant, who has a previous address at Hilltop Drive, Dooradoyle is also charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to another man – Michael Shannon -  contrary to section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, and with assault him causing harm on the same date at the same location in Shannon.

During a brief hearing, Detective Sergeant Kevin O'Hagan gave evidence of arresting Mr O'Neill and formally putting each of the charges to him. He told the court he made no reply.

Free legal aid was granted to the accused man and his solicitor Turlough Herbert asked the court for a ruling in respect of bail.

Judge Patrick Durcan refused bail on the assault charges adding that it was not for the district court to deal with bail in respect of the murder charge.

Mr O'Neill was remanded in custody to appear before the court again later in the week.