Fingerprints, footprint and DNA being analysed in Eddie Friel death investigation
James Spendley remains in custody with consent to bail on a charge of assault causing serious harm, with a further charge expected
Analysis of fingerprints, footprints and DNA are ongoing as part of the investigation into the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs.
Detective Inspector David Durkin attended Sligo District Court on August 13 to give an update on the status of the investigation.
James Spendley, 57, who is accused of 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.
A court sitting on July 31 heard that there was a delay in obtaining a certificate from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). It was also heard that a further charge is likely.
Solicitor Gerry McGovern reminded the court that at the previous sitting, the matter was marked ‘progress expected.’ This was due to the fact that it had been going on since April with no directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Detective inspector Durkin said: “I can inform the court that some progress has been made in respect of FSI.”
He outlined that analysis of ‘three exhibitions’ from the suspect’s house and that of the deceased man was being carried out, including fingerprints, a footprint and DNA.
“They are in various stages of examination,” he said.
He added that the garda investigation was also ongoing and was expected to conclude by the time the forensic examination is complete, most likely in September.
Spendley remains in custody with consent to High Court bail which he has not taken up due to difficulty in obtaining accommodation that meets bail conditions to stay out of Killybegs and Donegal Town.
Judge Ciaran Liddy said he was satisfied that the investigation was progressing, albeit slowly. He adjourned the matter to August 27, with Spendley to appear via videolink if he is still in custody.