Youth who was held in connection with father’s death has left country

Gardai believe that an 18-year-old man who had been held in custody in connection with the death of his father in Ballinlough, Co.   Roscommon has now left the country.   Thomas Cunningham Junior (18) had been held in custody in Castlerea prison since August, when he was first charged with assault causing harm to his 48-year-old father, who was found dead in the garden of his home in Ballinlough last August.   At two separate district court appearances last Friday in Castlerea Prison and in Charlestown the 18-year-old was released from custody.    At a sitting of Harristown District Court (at Castlerea Prison) Judge David Anderson was told by the Counsel for the State that the report of the State Pathologist, Dr. Marie Cassidy, which was needed for the finalising the book of evidence, was not available to the court as of yet.   Solicitor for Mr. Cunningham, Evan O’Dwyer, argued that it was not justifiable that his client  should remain in prison because Dr. Cassidy was unable to complete her work on the case.      Mr. Cunningham was released but he was then rearrested outside the court.   He appeared at Charlestown District Court later on Friday where counsel for the State again argued that he should be remanded in custody.   This was contested by the Mr. Cunningham’s solicitor who argued that there was no new evidence in the case. Judge Anderson again ordered his release.   It’s believed that Mr. Cunningham has since  left Ireland.   Gardai in Castlerea say that they’re seeking to re-arrest him on further charges in connection with the death of his father, Mr.  Thomas Cunningham senior.