Man remanded in custody over Waterford murder

Victim (25) had been attending party at rented apartment in Tramore

Gardaí at the Seafield Estate in Tramore yesterday, where Michael O’Dwyer was fatally stabbed on Thursday. Photograph: Mary Browne
Gardaí at the Seafield Estate in Tramore yesterday, where Michael O’Dwyer was fatally stabbed on Thursday. Photograph: Mary Browne

A 33-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of a 25-year-old who was stabbed to death at an apartment late on Thursday night.

Tadhg Butler, of Seafield, Tramore, Co Waterford, was arrested at 11.41pm on Thursday at the Seafield holiday estate in Tramore after emergency services found Michael O’Dwyer fatally wounded.

Mr O’Dwyer died in the early hours yesterday morning after being brought to Waterford Regional Hospital.

Mr Butler, who is originally from Co Kilkenny, was questioned throughout yesterday at Tramore Garda station and he was later charged and brought before a special sitting of Waterford district court this afternoon.

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Det Sgt Shay Keevans told the court that he arrested the suspect at the scene in Seafield on Thursday night and Mr Butler was detained at Tramore Garda station under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

He said he charged Mr Butler at 1.52am this morning and told the court he made no reply when charged.

Supt Finbar Murphy applied for a remand in custody and there was no objection from defence solicitor Ken Cunningham.

Mr Cunningham indicated that he will be making an application for bail to the High Court on his client’s behalf.

He also applied for free legal aid and for Mr Butler to be psychiatrically assessed and monitored in prison.

These requests were acceded to by Judge Kevin Staunton.

The judge remanded Mr Butler in custody to appear again at Waterford District Court on Tuesday.