James Spendley has ‘ongoing’ High Court bail application, court hears
Spendley is in custody on a charge of assault causing serious harm in relation to the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs
The man charged with serious assault in relation to the death of Killybegs man Eddie Friel is seeking bail through the High Court.
James Spendley, 57, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs has been in custody since shortly after Mr Friel was found dead in his home at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs on Sunday, April 13. He was arrested by Detective Garda Niall Brady in the early hours of Monday, April 14.
Spendley is charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
He appeared via videolink before Judge Michael Connellan at Sligo District Court on Thursday, May 15.
Solicitor for the accused Laura Spellman told the court: “There is a bail application ongoing in the High Court.”
Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are still being awaited. He asked for a further remand period.
Judge Connellan remanded the defendant in custody to appear again on May 29.
Spendley was previously refused bail by Judge Sandra Murphy in Sligo District Court. A defendant who has been refused bail at district court level is entitled to make an application to the High Court.
When giving her ruling on the bail application in April, Judge Murphy said: “I am taking into account that there is a likelihood of danger to people in the community if Mr Spendley is released.
“It is necessary for me to refuse bail.”