A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 53-year-old James ‘Jake’ Berney, who was fatally stabbed at his home in Balgaddy in Dublin last June.

Warren O’Toole, with an address at Méile an Rí, Balgaddy, was brought before Judge Brendan Toale in Dublin District Court, charged with murder contrary to common law.

Mr Berney, who lived with his elderly father, worked as a painter and decorator.

Detective Sergeant Seán Cosgrove told the court that the 19-year-old was arrested at 5.45pm at Ronanstown Garda Station in Clondalkin, and he made no reply when he was charged after caution.

a photograph of the late james berney
James Berney died at a house in Dublin in June 2025

Defence Solicitor Brian Keenan told the court that an application for bail would be made to the High Court in due course.

Mr Keenan asked Judge Toale to sanction a psychological assessment of his client, telling the court that this was “absolutely appropriate” in this case.

Judge Toale granted the request.

Mr O’Toole was remanded in custody to appear in court at Cloverhill District Court next Thursday.