American man Michael Kelley has appeared in court charged with the murder of Kenmare farmer Michael Gaine.
54-year-old Mr Kelley, who had been residing in Tralee, appeared in Tralee District Court, where he was remanded in custody.
Mr Kelley faces one charge; that on a date unknown between 20th March 2025 and 21st March 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, he murdered Michael Gaine, contrary to common law.
Mr Kelley was brought in to Tralee District Court, sporting an orange jumper, brown pants, and boots.
Michael Kelley appearing in court charged with the murder of Mike Gaine. Photo: David Corkey/Radio Kerry
Members of Mike Gaine’s family, including his widow Janice, were present for the sitting in Tralee District Court.
Detective Sergeant Mark O’Sullivan from Killarney garda station gave evidence that he arrested Mr Kelley at 2:23pm at Castleisland garda station for the purpose of charging him with the murder of Michael Gaine.
Sgt O’Sullivan charged Mr Kelley at 3:06pm today, and made no reply when the single charge of murder was put to him.
Judge David Waters said he could not hear a bail application, and Mr Kelley’s solicitor Pat Mann said he had explained to his client that would be a matter for the High Court.
The charge of murder can only be dealt with in the Central Criminal Court, and bail applications on murder charges cannot be heard in the District Court.
Mr Mann handed in a statement of means for Mr Kelley, who was granted legal aid as he earns €150 per week from supplementary allowance and has no assets or savings.
Judge Waters remanded him in custody to 4th March, when he will appear again in court in Tralee for the book of evidence.