Ahmed Abdirahman, a 31-year-old man, is being held in custody in Dublin on charges of the murder of Mary Ward, a mother of one. The crime took place in Belfast last month and is being examined by the court pending the creation of an evidence book. Abdirahman participated in his second hearing via a video call from Cloverhill District Court on a recent Friday, represented by Attorney Aisling Ginger-Quinn.
Abdirahman refrained from commenting during the proceedings, granting consent through his counsel for a hold-off of two weeks. Judge Mitchell consequently put off the case till November 1st. A foundational step in the process requires the DPP to draw up an evidence book and present it to the defendant before a court trial can be certified.
Mary Ward, 22 years old, was discovered dead in her residence on Melrose Street, South Belfast, on the first of October. The last time she was noticed alive was on September 25th, and her body bore neck injuries. Her death led the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to initiate a murder inquiry.
Cooperating with An Garda Síochána, the PSNI carried out an investigation that ended in the apprehension and murder charges against Abdirahman by the detectives of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI). The arrest happened in the city centre of Dublin on October 9th.
Abdirahman, who lived at Kinlay House, Dame St, Dublin 2, was previously taken into custody following a short District Court appearance. During this session, Detective Sergeant James King revealed that Abdirahman pled not guilty to the murder charge.
A murder case, due to its magnitude, is beyond the jurisdiction of the District Court to consider bail. Such a request necessitates an application in the High Court. Abdirahman’s legal aid was approved, and his lawyer stated that a bail petition would follow shortly.
Working within the framework of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976, a person can be indicted and tried in the Republic for alleged crimes committed in Northern Ireland.
Previously, a declaration was issued by the PSNI, outlining that the investigation into the demise of Mary Ward will now be spearheaded by An Garda Síochána, with unwavering assistance from the PSNI. An Garda Síochána further asserted their commitment to maintaining a close collaboration with the Northern Ireland Police Service throughout this inquiry.