Man charged with murder in relation to death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs

A man has been charged with the murder of Eddie Friel at his home in Killybegs.

James Spendley, 58, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs, was brought before Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, October 4 for long-awaited Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directions. He has been in custody since April, having been previously arrested on a lesser charge relating to the incident.

Detective Garda Niall Brady gave evidence of arresting Spendley at Portnason, Ballyshannon at 10.43am on October 3. He was arrested under Section 10(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 which allows a defendant to be rearrested. 

Detective Garda Brady continued that at 11.15am, he charged James Spendley who made no reply after caution. Spendley is charged that on a date between April 12 and 13, 2025 inclusive, at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs, County Donegal, he did murder Edward Friel. The offence is Contrary to Common Law.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that the defendant be prosecuted on indictment in the Circuit Criminal Court. 

The previous charge of assault causing serious harm was withdrawn.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham remanded Spendley to appear before Sligo District Court via videolink on Thursday, October 9, when a further remand period is likely while preparation of the book of evidence continues. 

Legal aid was granted to Ciaran White of McGovern Walsh Solicitors.

Spendley has been in custody in Castlerea Prison since April, having initially charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel, a charge which Spendley denied. Having been refused bail in Sligo District Court, it was later granted following an application to the High Court on that charge. However, the defendant remained in custody due to being unable to meet the bail condition to not reside in Killybegs or Donegal Town. 

A lengthy and detailed garda investigation into Mr Friel's death took place, during which time Spendley appeared 15 times at Sligo District Court, the majority of which were via videolink.

Court sittings over the last few months 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 court sitting in Sligo in August that certificates were awaited from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), and that a further, serious charge against Spendley was likely.

At the most recent appearance in Sligo on Thursday, September 30, Solicitor Gerry McGovern reminded the court that his client had been on remand for a lengthy period without DPP directions. 

Gardaí indicated that directions were imminent, and Judge Éiteáin Cunningham ordered him to be brought in person to the upcoming Ballyshannon sitting.

Mr Friel's family were present in court in Ballyshannon when the new charges were brought, as they have been throughout proceedings.