Man accused of murdering his mother and producing an axe set to stand trial
Nebojsa Pap previously appeared in court last month where it was revealed the DPP had sanctioned an additional charge to the original count of murder
Nebojsa Pap is charged with the murder of his mother Mirjana Pap.
A Croatian man has been sent forward to stand trial accused of producing an axe during the course of murdering his mother in her midlands home five months ago.
Thirty-two-year-old Nebojsa Pap, of Beechville in Athlone, Westmeath, was brought before a sitting of Athlone District Court this afternoon where he was served with a book of evidence in connection to the murder of Mirjana Pap at the same address as her son on December 28 last year.
Pap who sported a grey jumper and black tracksuit bottoms, was flanked by three prison officers when he was led into court where details surrounding the servicing of the book of evidence was relayed before Judge Bernadette Owens.
Nebojsa Pap is charged with the murder of his mother Mirjana Pap.
Pap took to his feet and stood with his hands clasped as he greeted Judge Owens at the opening of proceedings by saying in a muffled voice: 'Afternoon Judge'.
Garda Olivia Connolly gave sworn evidence of having served the book and its related counts of murder and the production of an axe on Pap at shortly before 2pm.
Pap had previously appeared in court last month where it was revealed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had sanctioned the additional charge to the original count of murder.
The details of that charge allege that on December 28 at 1 Beechville, Athlone, Westmeath, while committing murder, in the course of a dispute, Mr Pap produced an article in the form of an axe which was 'capable of inflicting serious injury'.
Nebojsa Pap outside Athlone Courthouse.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th
Sgt Paul McNally, for the State, said the DPP had consented for Pap to be sent forward to stand trial at the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Pap's defence solicitor Ciara Macklin said her client was consenting to be remanded in continuing custody and would not be seeking bail given that any consequent application in terms of a murder charge can only be made before the High Court.
Judge Owens, meanwhile, gave Pap what's known as the alibi warning, advising him of his obligations to notify the State within 14 days should he wish to rely on any alibi evidence during the course of his trial.
Nebojsa Pap.
Ms Macklin, meanwhile, also applied for legal aid in an application which was acceded to by Judge Owens to include both a junior and senior counsel to represent Pap.
The late Ms Pap, who was a widow and mother of three, had resided in Athlone for several years and previously worked at the Athlone accommodation centre.
The Croatian national's body was found on lands close to Clonark in Co Roscommon, around 10km from Athlone, on 30 December 2024 after she had been reported missing two days earlier.
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