A MAN charged with the alleged murder of his partner in Killygordon in January has been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

Richard Burke of Forest Park, Killygordon appeared before a sitting of Letterkenny District Court today (Monday) where he was served with a Book of Evidence. He is charged in connection with the murder of Jasmine McMonagle.

Detective Sergeant Michael Galvin told the court he served the book on the accused in the body of the court at 10.35am

Sergeant Gerald Dalton told Judge Paul Kelly that the Director of Public Prosecutions has given consent for the accused to be sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court which resumes on April 29.

He also told the court there are video tapes of interviews with the accused and asked for a directions to release them.

An alibi warning was given to the accused who did not speak during the brief hearing. Judge Kelly outlined that if an alibi forms any part of his defence he is to give notice of it in writing to the prosecution within 14 days.

Barrister, Gareth McGrory asked Judge Kelly to grant legal aid to solicitor Frank Dorrian as well as for a second counsel to be appointed to the accused. He also asked the Judge to recommend that a psychiatric assessment is carried out on the accused.