Man appears in court charged with murder of woman in Laois

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Sharon Crean in Mountmellick, Laois. 

Sean Egan, 36, of Lios na Si, Rathmiles, Portarlington appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court this morning. 

The accused didn’t speak in court as Detective Garda Michael Paul O’Donovan gave evidence of the arrest charge and caution.

Det O’Donovan said he arrested the accused on Wednesday at 5.25pm. He said the accused replied “no comment” when charged on Thursday night. 

He is charged with the murder of Sharon Crean at 40 College Avenue, Mountmellick on December 14.

Judge Andrew Cody said “given the nature of the charge I have no option but to remand the defendant in custody.” 

Garda Inspector Jane Ryan said it was the State’s application to remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court by videolink on December 22. 

Barrister Suzanne Dooner provided a statement of means and asked that the defendant be granted legal aid. 

Judge Cody granted legal aid and remanded the man in custody to Cloverhill Prison to reappear at Portlaoise District Court by videolink on December 22.