Man (31) charged with murder of Mary Ward (22) in Belfast

A 31-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Mary Ward in Belfast.

Ahmed Abdirahman, of Kinlay House, Dame Street, Dublin 2, was charged with the murder of Mary Ward at Melrose Street, Belfast, on September 25th last.

During an appearance at Dublin District Court before Judge William Aylmer on Friday, Garda Sgt James King of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation told the court Mr Abdirahman said “not guilty” after being charged with murder and cautioned at Kevin Street Garda station in Dublin on Thursday.

Mr Abdirahman, a tall man wearing a navy top and grey tracksuit bottoms, was remanded in custody to October 18th next to appear by video-link from Cloverhill Prison.

Solicitor Wayne Kenny said he intended to apply to the High Court for bail for Mr Abdirahman “as soon as possible.” People accused of murder must go to the High Court if they wish to apply for bail.

Mr Abdirahman was granted legal aid.

Ms Ward (22) died on September 25th but was not discovered for a further six days when police called to her south Belfast home about an unrelated matter.

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