Man charged with murder of Athlone woman

by Tom Tuite

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his mother, Mirjana Pap, whose body was discovered in Roscommon on Monday.

Mother of three, Mirjana Pap, who was 58 and originally from Croatia but resided at Beechville, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, was found on bogland at Curraghaleen outside the town after being reported missing two days earlier.

Her son Nebojsa Pap was charged at Athlone Garda station with the murder of Ms Pap on December 28 at her home contrary to common law.

Mr Pap, who also lived at Beechville, Athlone, was brought to appear before Judge Patricia Cronin at a special late sitting of Mullingar District Court and remanded in custody with an order that he get medical and psychiatric attention.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Craig told the court that Mr Pap replied "yes" when cautioned and processed, and he had "no reply" to the charge before being handed a copy of the charge sheet.

The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in murder cases which require an application before the High Court.

Judge Cronin ordered a remand in custody and directed that the accused would appear via video link at Athlone District Court on Wednesday.

She noted from Detective Sergeant Craig that the DPP had authorised the accused to be charged, but formal directions in the case were required.

Defence solicitor Mark Cooney made two applications. Firstly, he asked the court to order psychiatric attention for Mr Pap. "I've spoken to my client, and he understands what is involved in the process. I believe it would be helpful," the solicitor said.

The judge acceded to the request and also granted legal aid to the accused, who was on social welfare.

She approved the solicitor's second application to extend legal aid for a pathologist to be engaged.

The judge asked if Mr Pap wished to have medical and psychiatric attention in custody. At that stage, the accused, dressed in a grey tracksuit, spoke up, saying, "Apologies, yes please, by all means."

He said, "Thank you very much" when the judge told him she had made that part of her order.

A senior investigating officer was appointed to lead the probe, and an incident room was established at Athlone Garda Station. A family liaison officer was also assigned to provide support to her relatives.

Ms Pap's body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway for a post-mortem examination by the Deputy State Pathologist.

Ms Pap, who had lived and worked in Athlone for several years, was a widow and worked at the Athlone accommodation centre. She will be laid to rest at a later date.