'benign approach' Sister of ex-suspect in Ashling Murphy case charged for failing to leave home during probe

A solicitor has asked a benign approach be taken in the prosecution of a woman arrested last week during the Ashling Murphy murder investigation.

Neara Tanase (27), of Tullamore, Co Offaly, was charged with failing to leave her home when it was designated a crime scene on January 12.

Ms Tanase's brother, Radu Floricel (39), was arrested at the same address that day and detained for questioning until his release the following night, Thursday. He was eliminated from garda enquiries and was no longer a suspect.

Earlier last Thursday, Ms Tanase appeared before Portlaoise District Court and was granted bail - but was placed in custody because she did not take up the bail.

She was subsequently released from prison on bail following the release of her brother from Tullamore garda station.

At Tullamore District Court yesterday, Ms Tanase's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, who had previously been assisting Mr Floricel, said the woman was pleading not guilty, but he hoped the State would take a benign approach in view of the matters relating to her brother.

Sergeant James O'Sullivan, presenting the prosecution for the DPP, said his instruction "at the moment" was to pursue the charge. He said if he received other instructions he would alert the court.

Judge Catherine Staines adjourned the hearing to April 6. She also made it clear that while Ms Tanase had been remanded in custody, she had been granted bail - but ended up in custody because she refused to sign the bail bond.

The judge said she also refused legal aid on three occasions. "Effectively she refused to recognise the court," the judge said.

Mr Floricel previously said he had been subjected to "degrading" comments on social media as a result of his arrest, and also felt sorry for his solicitor who had been abused in the street on his way to the garda station.

Mr Floricel, who has lived in Ireland since he was 16, stressed that he felt "terrible" for what the Murphy family were going through.

Mr Farrelly said Mr Floricel's life had been ruined by the reaction on social media.

Ms Tanase was not in court yesterday and is understood to be at home with her family.