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25 Sept 2025
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25 Sept 2025
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James Spendley being brought to Sligo District Court. PHOTO: North West Newspix
Long-awaited Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directions regarding the violent death of Killybegs man Eddie Friel are expected at the next sitting of Ballyshannon District Court.
At Sligo District Court on Thursday, September 25, Sergeant Suzanne Gilmore said: “DPP directions are imminent. I ask for a body order to Ballyshannon District Court next Friday.”
This means that the accused, James Spendley, 57, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs, is to appear in person rather than via videolink which has been the case for the last number of court appearances.
Spendley has been in custody in Castlerea Prison since April. Having been refused bail in Sligo District Court, it was later granted following an application to the High Court. However, the defendant has remained in custody due to being unable to meet the bail condition to not reside in Killybegs or Donegal Town.
To date he is charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel, a charge which Spendley denies. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 and is alleged to have taken place at Mr Friel’s home at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs, County Donegal on Sunday, April 13. Spendley was arrested in the early hours of April 14.
Recent court sittings heard that there was a delay in the investigation due to the wait for analysis results of fingerprints, a footprint and DNA. Detective Inspector David Durkin told a previous court sitting earlier that certificates were awaited from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), and that a further charge against Spendley was likely.
Solicitor Gerry McGovern reminded the court that his client had been on remand for a lengthy period awaiting DPP directions.
“There is a far more serious charge being contemplated,” said the solicitor. “I ask that there will be an update in Ballyshannon the next day.
“There have been 14 remands to date. It was marked to ‘expect progress’ on August 18.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham replied: “If I am being asked for a body order, I expect that directions are imminent.”
The judge ordered the defendant to be brought to Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, October 3.
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