Galway man, 33, charged with murder of his mother after her death in April

Dubravko Ostojic appeared in Galway District Court charged with murdering Milena Ostojic, 65, who died at University Hospital Galway on 25 April.

Galway man charged with mother's murder after April death

A 33-year-old man has appeared before Galway District Court charged with the murder of his mother, the Irish Times reports.

Dubravko Ostojic, who shared a home with Milena Ostojic at Claí Mór, Ballybrit, had previously faced a charge of seriously assaulting her at that address. The 65-year-old died on 25 April at University Hospital Galway.

At Wednesday's hearing, Detective Garda Gerry Carroll gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court that Ostojic made no reply when charged after caution with the murder of his mother on 24 April, contrary to common law.

Solicitor John Martin confirmed to Judge Fiona Lydon that the accused had sufficient English and did not need an interpreter. Martin said an application for free legal aid would be deferred pending resolution of the ongoing solicitors' dispute over fees.

Garda Sergeant Claire Heneghan informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment before the Central Criminal Court. She added that the DPP had also directed the withdrawal of a Section 3 assault causing harm charge, which Ostojic had faced since last April.

Judge Lydon remanded the accused in custody. He is due to appear before Galway District Court again on 7 September, via video-link.

Source: Irish Times