Ennis murder accused further remanded in custody

AN Ennis man charged with the murder of mother of two, Sharon Bennett was today further remanded in custody. At Gort District Court, Patrick Ballard (34) appeared after being charged with the murder of Wexford native, Ms Bennett before the sitting of Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Mr Ballard of Ashford Court Hotel, Ennis, has been on remand in prison after being initially charged with the assault causing harm of Ms Bennett (29) in the Market area of Ennis on Thursday, January 28, last. Ms Bennett died 13 days later at University Hospital Limerick.
At Gort District Court today, Sgt Daithi Cronin stated that Mr Ballard could be further remanded to appear at Ennis District Court via video link from Limerick prison on April 14.
Sgt Cronin stated that Mr Ballard was being further remanded to that date for the serving of the Book of Evidence.
The initial charge of assault causing harm against Mr Ballard has been withdrawn now that the murder charge has been made.
Mr Ballard and Ms Bennett were in a relationship at the time of the alleged murder and Ms Bennett was a mother of two girls, aged nine and six from a previous relationship.
Judge Patrick Durcan remanded Mr Ballard in custody to re-appear before Ennis District Court on April 14.