John Gilligan has appeared at the Special Criminal Court charged with the murder of Veronica Guerin and 15 other charges including possession of firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life. 47-year-old Gilligan told the court he was representing himself and asked only that his papers be returned to him following his arrest earlier in the day.
Mr Gilligan looked apathetic while the charges were being read out. The presiding judge, Justice Richard Johnson, told him that he could apply for free legal aid and bail. "I suppose bail would be out of the question" Mr Gilligan answered and laughed. He has been remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison until next Wednesday when he is due to appear again at the Special Criminal Court.
Mr Gilligan was returned to Dublin after the High Court in London dismissed an application against his extradition. He arrived in Ireland from London earlier today aboard an Air Corps aircraft.
