An Ennis woman has appeared in court charged with conspiring with a Nevada man to murder her partner's two sons.
Sharon Collins (44), Ballybeg House, Kildysart Road, Ennis, Co Clare, appeared with Essam Eid (51), Las Vegas, Nevada, in the US, charged with conspiring with each other to murder two Ennis businessmen in their 20s, Robert and Niall Howard, some time between August 16th and September 26th last year.
At Kilkee District Court yesterday, Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the two in custody after they were both charged with the offences.
Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Ms Collins in court yesterday, Det Garda Jarlath Fahey said that he arrested Ms Collins at 8.59am yesterday and after caution to each charge, she said: "I never did that." On entering the crowded courtroom yesterday, Ms Collins was visibly upset.
In relation to Mr Eid, Det Sgt Michael Moloney gave evidence of the charge and caution and said he arrested Mr Eid at 10.45am at Lifford, Ennis. Det Garda Moloney said that after caution, Mr Eid "had nothing to say".
Supt John Scanlan of Ennis Garda station told the court: "The charges before the court are conspiracy to murder and I am applying that the two be remanded in custody to reappear before Ennis District Court next Friday."
Solicitor for Mr Eid John Casey said he had no applications to make at this stage.
Ms Collins's solicitor, Mary Larkin, told the court: "The superintendent should be on notice that I will be seeking bail in the High Court for my client at the earliest opportunity."
Applying for legal aid, Ms Larkin handed in Ms Collins's statement of means.
Asked for his view by Judge Mangan, Supt Scanlan said: "My understanding is that she is the owner of some properties, although her situation has changed substantially in the course of this investigation."
However, Ms Larkin said: "Ms Collins has no income and rent on the property is used to pay the mortgage."
Supt Scanlan said he still had concerns over Ms Collins being a suitable candidate for legal aid and the application for legal aid was adjourned. Judge Mangan remanded Ms Collins and Mr Eid in custody to reappear before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on June 29th.
