Eddie Friel death investigation at advanced stage as ‘other matters’ come to light
Mr Friel was found deceased in his home, and is believed to have suffered a violent death
The lengthy investigation into the death of Eddie Friel is now close to completion, it was revealed at Sligo District Court.
The matter was before Judge Ciaran Liddy on Wednesday, August 17.
James Spendley who has charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel appeared before the court via videolink. He has been in custody in Castlerea Prison since April, having been charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel. He denies the charge. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
Mr Friel was found dead in his home at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs, County Donegal on Sunday, April 13. It is believed that he suffered a violent death.
Having been refused bail in Sligo District Court, Spendley was granted bail following an application to the High Court. However, he remains in custody due to difficulty in obtaining accommodation that meets bail conditions to stay out of Killybegs and Donegal Town.
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 court sitting earlier this month that certificates were awaited from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), and that a further charge against Spendley was likely.
At the most recent court sitting, Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that Detective Inspector Durkin had informed that he had been in touch with FSI.
“Detective Inspector Durkin tells me that the investigation is at an advanced stage,” said Sergeant Butler. “And other matters have come to light.”
The sergeant indicated that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were expected to be ready by late September.
Solicitor Gerry McGovern asked his client if he would agree to a four-week adjournment rather than the mandatory two weeks, given that progress was expected.
Spendley agreed, and was remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear before Sligo District Court on Thursday, September 25.