Murder suspect Bartosz Cylka remanded in custody at Carrick-on-Shannon court

A man charged with the murder of Janis Balodis in Co. Leitrim has been further remanded in custody. His case was adjourned amid an ongoing solicitors' dispute over Legal Aid fees.

Leitrim murder suspect held on remand as solicitor withdraws services

Bartosz Cylka (36), of Arderry, Corrawaleen, Co. Leitrim, was further remanded in custody at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on Monday, leitrimobserver.ie reports.

Cylka is charged with the murder of Janis Balodis (41), following an incident at a house in the Arderry area of Corrawaleen shortly after 9pm on 11 June. Emergency services attended the scene after Balodis was found unresponsive and, despite treatment efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The defendant appeared before the court via videolink from Castlerea Prison, where he is currently on remand. Sergeant David McDonagh told the court that the "investigation file is at an advanced stage of preparation."

Solicitor John Anderson, representing Cylka, informed the court that he was compelled to withdraw his services at the sitting. "Due to the ongoing solicitors withdrawal of services, I have to withdraw my services at this sitting," Anderson said. The withdrawal is linked to a broader dispute between the solicitors' profession and the Minister for Justice over proposed reforms to the fee structure under Criminal Legal Aid. The dispute prompted a series of adjournments to criminal cases at Monday's sitting.

A Polish interpreter was provided during the proceedings.

Judge Eiteáin Cunningham remanded Cylka in custody to appear via videolink at a special sitting of Ballyshannon District Court on 19 August.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)