There were angry scenes in court in Waterford today when a Tipperary man accused of killing a mother of four appeared on a murder charge.
25 year old Danny Whelan of no fixed abode but formerly of Thomas Street Waterford and originally from Thurles is accused of murdering Samantha Walsh at an unknown time between April 27 and April 28 last.
During a remand hearing today several members of the public shouted obscenities at the accused as he appeared before Waterford District Court.
Danny Whelan is charged with the murder of Samantha Walsh who was found was found dead in an apartment on Thomas Street, Waterford city last month and a post-mortem revealed the mother of four was assaulted.
One person threw a plastic bottle in his direction while 15 others left their seats and attempted to get at the 25 year old- Among the remarks shouted at Mr Whelan were “I hope you rot in hell” along with other obscenities. Over a dozen gardaí immediately intervened to prevent anyone getting at the accused, who was quickly taken out of the courtroom, and it was a couple of minutes before calm was restored.
Proceedings resumed at 11.50 and the Thurles man’s remand hearing was the first case up- when he re-entered one woman who remained in the court became upset, shouted at the accused and then left, followed by another woman who also shouted at Mr Whelan.
Judge Kevin Staunton remarked that “emotions are high”
Danny Whelan was remanded in custody to allow the state prepare the book of evidence and the case is due for mention again on June 6th
