BROTHER REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR PORTUMNA MURDER

Date Published: 04-Feb-2008

A Portugese national has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of his younger brother in Portumna yesterday. At Loughrea District Court today 45 year old Laurentino da Silva of Dominic St, Portumna was formally charged with the murder of 43 year old Fernando da Silva.Garda William O'Gorman told the court he cautioned the accused through an interpreter and in response, the accused replied in Portugese: "It was in self defence, I lost control, I lost my mind". Defence solicitor John O'Neill made no application for bail but requested that a Portugese interpreter attend all future court hearings. Da Silva, who had today's proceedings translated by an interpreter, was remanded in custody to appear before Harristown District Court at 10.30 am this Friday.