Man (42) appears in court accused of murdering his partner on Christmas Eve

Bahaalddin Alshwawrah (42), with an address at Park Na Sillogue Court, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow was charged with the murder of his partner Zeinat Bashabsheh (42) at the same address on Friday 24 December.

Alshwawrah was brought before Judge David Kennedy at Bray District Court today where Sgt Ger Brennan of Bray garda station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said he arrested Alshwawrah at 11.52am this morning and he was charged with murder at 12.43pm.

The court heard that he made no reply when cautioned.

Judge Kennedy remanded him in custody to Cloverhill remand prison until December 29.

A solicitor for Alshwawrah applied for and was granted legal aid for the Jordanian national who is a father of three.

The court heard that Alshwawrah is on disability benefit.

Alshwawrah talked with his solicitor and interpreter during the short hearing.

Walking with the aid of a crutch he wore a blue hoodie with green stripes down the sleeves, and black tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the legs.

Emergency services were called to the house at around 4pm on Friday afternoon but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Alshwawrah was arrested at the scene and brought to Bray garda station for questioning until being charged this afternoon.