A 54-year-old man has been returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Michael Gaine.
Former US soldier Mike Kelley, with an address at Chapel Street in Tralee, was served with the book of evidence in the case this morning.
He was brought before Tralee District Court for the two-minute hearing, where his solicitor Pat Mann confirmed that the book of evidence had been served.
Court presenter, Sergeant Chris Manton, applied to have Mr Kelley sent forward for trial to the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.
Judge David Waters noted that Mr Kelley is in custody, and said bail was not a matter for the District Court in this case.
Judge Waters said Mr Kelley was before the court on a single charge on the indictment, that of murdering Mr Gaine between 20 March and 21 March 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Mr Kelley spoke only to confirm he understood what an alibi was.
Free legal aid with two counsel was granted to Mr Kelley on the application of Mr Mann.
Mr Gaine's widow, Janice, was in court for the hearing, along with a number of other family members and friends.
