Man charged with murder of mother unable to receive book of evidence because of solicitors strike
Olivia Kelleher
Gardaí have for the third time been unable to serve the book of evidence in the case of a man charged with the murder of his 59-year-old mother and with assault causing harm to his father.
The delay in the case of David Gallagher has occurred as a result of the ongoing solicitors’ strike about legal aid fees.
Gallagher, with an address at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork City, appeared before Cork District Court by video link Tuesday, July 28th.
His case was previously adjourned on July 1st and July 14th arising out of the absence of legal representation.
The 25-year-old was previously charged with the murder of Stella Gallagher at Shrewsbury Downs on November 17th, 2025.
He was also charged with assault causing harm to his 63-year-old father, Brian Gallagher, at the same location on the same date.
Sgt John Dineen on Tuesday, July 28th, told Cork District Court that the book of evidence was again available for service. Dt Garda Neil Walsh was in court for the purpose of serving the book of evidence.
Gallagher indicated that his solicitor Shane Collins Daly had made him aware of the strike.
He was asked what his position was in relation to having the book of evidence served on him in the absence of his solicitor. Gallagher replied that his solicitor had advised him to wait until “he (his solicitor) is here.”
Judge David Waters remanded Gallagher in custody to appear in court again by video link on August 10th for the service of the book of evidence.
Meanwhile, when the case first appeared before the court in November last year, Collins Daly asked that his client receive medical and psychiatric evaluation on his arrival at Cork Prison.
Judge John King directed that medical and psychiatric care be given to the accused in prison.
Gallagher is charged with the murder of Stella Gallagher contrary to common law. He is also charged with assault causing serious harm to Brian Gallagher contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
In addition to the murder and assault charges, Gallagher is additionally charged with causing criminal damage to the family home on the same occasion.
The charges states that at the family home in Ballinlough, Cork without lawful excuse, the accused did damage property, to wit, a front window and front window frame, intending such damage or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged, contrary to the Criminal Damage.
The late Stella Gallagher was a native of Ballinspittle in Cork. The mother of four was a chemical engineer who was employed for many years at Eli Lilly in Cork.
