BREAKING: Man is charged over Sallins murder in late night court appearance

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a man in Sallins.

Valeriu Melnic, 23, whose address was given as Calliaghstown Lower, Rathcoole, County Dublin, faces an allegation of murdering Ion Daghi, on May 12 at The Close, Sallins Park.

He appeared before a special sitting of Naas District Court shortly before midnight on May 13.

Detective Garda Enda Coleman told of charging the defendant, who made no reply.

He said it will be alleged the incident arose at a small family gathering attended by five adults and three children.

Some went to bed and a dispute arose between the defendant and the deceased, who drank a lot of whiskey.

This turned physical, but calmed down before reigniting at about 3am.

He said it will be alleged that the defendant went to the kitchen and took a knife.

The deceased went to the kitchen where an altercation took place and it will be claimed the deceased was stabbed once in the chest with the knife, which is 30 centimetres in length.

The defendant is the brother in law of the deceased

Det Gda Coleman told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the argument was about nothing of substance and it escalated.

The deceased’s 12 year old daughter called the emergency services.

The defendant was granted free legal aid and this was extended to cover the services of a Russian translator.

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear again on May16 by videolink.

At the request of defending solicitor Cairbre Finan, the judge also ordered a psychological report.