A man charged with the murder of Co Kerry farmer Michael Gaine has been further remanded in custody.
Michael Kelley (54), a US national of no fixed abode and with a recent address in Tralee, is charged with murdering Gaine (56) between March 20th and March 21st, 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Kelley’s first appearance on February 25th heard he made no reply when charged.
He has since appeared every fortnight via video-link, appearing again today before Tralee District Court via video-link from Cork Prison.
During this morning’s short hearing, the accused spoke to confirm his name and verify that he could see and hear the court proceedings. He also greeted his solicitor, Pat Mann.
Court presenter Sgt Chris Manton told Judge David Waters that the book of evidence in the case was not yet available. He said it was the State’s application to further remand Kelley in custody to reappear at Tralee District Court in two weeks.
Sgt Manton said there may be a future application to extend time for service of the book of evidence.
Mann said his client consented to today’s State application. He said they were waiting for documentation needed for a bail application at the High Court and that he expected proceedings to take place shortly.
Bail applications on a murder charge must be made at the High Court.
The judge granted the State’s application and remanded Kelley in custody to reappear at Tralee District Court on April 15th next.
Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on March 21st last year.