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Kerry man charged with double murder over fire that killed dad and five-year-old daughter

The court heard that Mr Griffin was arrested upon arrival at Dublin Airport yesterday

© Kerryman

Today at 12:20

Philip Griffin (37) of no fixed abode has been charged with the murder of Anthony O’Brien and his daughter, Nadine, at Killeen Heights, Tralee, in 2012.

The court heard that Mr Griffin was arrested upon arrival at Dublin Airport on February 7 on foot of an arrest warrant issued by Judge David Waters last November.

Detective Sgt Ernie Henderson told the court Mr Griffin was brought to Tralee Garda Station at 9.15pm and was charged with two counts of murder. In reply, he said he had “nothing to say at this time”.

He is also charged with arson on the same date on a property at Killeen Heights.

Mr Griffin, who is represented by solicitor Brendan Ahern, was remanded in custody and will appear at Tralee District Court by video link on February 14.

Mr Ahern sought legal aid, which was granted. He said his client is of no fixed abode and has no income.

Sgt Stephen O’Brien sought a reporting restriction to not identify the child in this case. He said this was on foot of a request by the DPP.

The child’s mother, Kelly, who was present in court, interjected. Other family members were also in court.

Judge Waters said he did not think he had the power to do so. He said it would also not be appropriate to do so given both victims had been identified by the media already.

Therefore, he refused to impose a reporting restriction