Man charged in connection with fatal stabbing
A man was charged today with impeding a person from apprehension and prosecution in connection with a fatal stabbing in Dublin in September.
David Whyte (aged 35), from the New Cabra Road, in north Dublin, who had worked in the past as a security guard, was found dead on September 26.
His body, which sustained several stab wounds, was discovered by a passing dog walker at a derelict cemetery behind Stewart’s Hospital, off Mill Lane, in Palmerstown.
He remained unidentified for three days until his family recognised his photograph from a Garda appeal for help on television.
Yesterday afternoon gardaí arrested a man in the Lucan area in connection with the investigation into Mr Whyte’s death. He was brought to Clondalkin Garda Station where he was charged at 5.05pm.
Today at the Dublin District Court, now sitting in the new Criminal Courts of Justice complex on Parkgate Street, he was brought before Judge Hugh O'Donnell.
The defendant, Simon Griffin (aged 44), from the Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, was charged under Criminal Law Act 1997 with impeding a person from apprehension or prosecution for involvement in the murder of Mr Whyte.
Detective Sergeant Denis Smith told the court that Mr Griffin, who is unemployed, made no reply when he was cautioned.
He told Judge O’Donnell that the DPP has directed “trial on indictment” meaning the case is to be sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
Defence solicitor Jenny McGeever said that an application for bail was not being made. She requested that her client would receive medical attention and see a doctor in custody but did not specify his condition.
Judge O’Donnell queried whether the defendant’s health problem was a “matter of some delicacy” and consented to the request that medical attention be given to him.
He granted legal aid and remanded the accused in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on December 22 next.
Mr Griffin, who was dressed in a woollen jacket and jeans, remained silent during his brief court appearance.
