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The 62-year-old man accused of murdering the retiree, Mary O’Keeffe, whose body was found in a burning car in Doneraile last week, appeared in court today via video link from prison.
Michael Leonard of Hillcrest, Glenosheen, Kilmallock, County Limerick, wore a mask and was only required to acknowledge that he could see and hear the Cork District Court via a video link from the prison.
His attorney, Kevin Power, said that although he had consulted with his client just before the court appearance, he had not been able to contact Leonard in custody due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Judge Olann Kelleher said: “You have to be provided as your attorney. If you have a problem, tell the court. ”
Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: “It is for the service of a test book, but it will not be ready for a considerable period of time.” At the request of Sergeant Davis, Judge Kelleher adjourned the case for fifteen days.
When the case comes up again on February 26 it will be by video link from the prison.
Michael Leonard is charged with the February 4 common law murder of Mary O’Keeffe, 72, in Dromdeer East, Doneraile, County Cork.
Inspector Tony O’Sullivan charged Leonard with the murder and the defendant did not respond when the charge was brought against him.
Medical assistance for Leonard in prison was directed after his first court appearance. This assistance must include psychological and physical assistance. A psychiatric evaluation of Leonard will also be conducted in Cork Prison.
The late Mrs. O’Keeffe lived in Dromahane near Mallow in Co. Cork and worked as a cook. He is survived by his three children.
An autopsy was performed on his body at Cork University Hospital on Friday, February 5. The results of the autopsy, which was performed by assistant state pathologist Margaret Bolster, were not released.
The alarm was raised on the afternoon of Thursday, February 4, when a passerby spotted a burning car near the Coillte forest in Doneraile. Ms. O’Keeffe was pronounced dead at the scene.
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