UPDATE: 260 lines of enquiry in Kildare murder investigation — garda

A Garda Sergeant present in Naas District Court on Thursday, May 16 last said that there are 260 lines of enquiry in a County Kildare murder investigation.

Sgt David Hanrahan told Judge Desmond Zaidan about the lines of enquiry in the case of Pádraig Delaney, with an address listed as 6 The Lane, Eustace Demesne in Naas.

The 43-year-old previously appeared before the court charged with the alleged murder of 37-year-old Shane Knott between April 3 to April 14, at the same address.

Mr Delaney appeared via video-link on the latest date, as he is currently remanded in custody.

The court was informed by Sgt Hanrahan that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not yet been received in the case.

However, Sgt Hanrahan said that he hoped that directions would be ready within the next two-to-three weeks.

Judge Desmond Zaidan presided over the case.

"It is a very complex investigation," he told the judge, and highlighted how there are 260 lines of enquiry involved in the case at present.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly questioned the delay in DPP directions being indicated.

However, Judge Zaidan sided with Sgt Hanrahan, adding that the investigation is only a month old, and that agreed that the gardaí's investigations are ongoing.

"This (alleged murder) is one of the most serious offences of mankind; it is important that the gardaí do not leave any stone unturned," the judge said: "The gardaí have a duty to make sure that the matter is thoroughly investigated."

He also said that Mr Delaney is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Judge Zaidan remanded the accused in custody until the case resumes on Tuesday, May 23, which is when an application for High Court Bail for Mr Delaney will be heard.