MURDER CHARGE

Girl, 12, called emergency services after dad stabbed to death by brother-in-law during drunken row, court told

• News and Crime Correspondent

• Published: 17:09, 14 May 2024
• Updated: 20:32, 14 May 2024

A 12-year-old girl called emergency services after her father was stabbed to death during a drunken row by his brother-in-law, a court has heard.

Moldovan native Ion Daghi, 39, died at the scene of a home at The Close, Sallins Park, in Co Kildare in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His brother-in-law Valeriu Melnic, 23, was brought to Naas District Court for special sitting at 11pm on Monday night and was charged with murder.

Det Garda Enda Coleman gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said the accused remained silent after being charged.

The court heard that it is being alleged that the incident happened at a family gathering.

Five adults and three children were present before some went to bed.

A dispute then arose between the accused and the now dead man who had been drinking whiskey.

The court was told that it then reignited at around 3am.

It’s claimed that Mr Melnic, a stone mason, took a knife from the kitchen and the row continued before stabbing the victim once in the chest with a 30cm knife.

The court further heard the dead man’s 12-year-old daughter called emergency services.

Mr Melnic was granted legal aid and permission for a Russian translator. A translator was also present on Monday night for the short hearing.

A psychological report was ordered by Judge Desmond Zaidan after a request by the defence solicitor.

The accused, of Calliaghstown Lower in Rathcoole, Dublin, was remanded in custody and is to appear in court on Thursday by video-link.A Garda Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to keep the deceased’s family informed of developments.