A 23-year-old man from Ennis has been charged with the murder of a Belgian tourist in the town on Sunday night. At a special sitting of Kilkee District Court this morning, Eric Considine with an address at 12 Stone Court, Drumbiggle in Ennis was charged with the murder of 42-year-old Walter Maria Louis Van Dael at the Abbey Tourist hostel, Harmony Row, Ennis on July 26. The court was told that Considine was not in full time employment. He was subsequently granted Free Legal Aid. Judge Albert O'Dea remanded the accused in custody to Ennis District Court on August 2.
The post mortem on Mr Van Dael was carried out last night by the Assistant State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy. It revealed that the he died from head injuries sustained after what has been described as a "severe kicking". The search for the murder weapon, which is believed to be a fire extinguisher, will recommence this morning and members of the Garda underwater team will continue to search the River Fergus.
