A FUNERAL undertaker from Co Limerick has been charged with illegally exhuming the body of a 95-year old man from a grave. Donal Daffy, (59), of Skagh, Croom, is accused of carrying out the exhumation without a licence to do so, on February 26, 2011. Mr Daffy is alleged to have illegally exhumed the body of Joseph “Josie” Graham, at Clounanna Cemetery in Patrickswell.
Mr Graham had died and been buried two years previous to the alleged incident.
Following the alleged illegal exhumation, Mr Graham’s remains were allegedly reburied in St Mary’s Cemetery, another cemetery in Patrickswell.
The case, which was called before Judge Mary O’Halloran at Newcastle West District Court, follows a lengthy investigation by gardai and officials from Limerick County Council.
If convicted under the Local Government Act (Sanitary Services) of 1948, Mr Daffy faces a maximum jail sentence of six months and or a maximum fine not exceeding €63.48 Last week, Kate Cussen, acting as an agent for Mr Daffy’s solicitor, applied to the court for an adjournment and requested garda statements in the case.
Garda Inspector, Eamon O’Neill, Askeaton Garda Station, said that, all relevant statements were available and would be immediately supplied.
Ms Cussen said the accused had, as yet, not given instructions as to whether or not he would be contesting the charge.
She added that gardai would be advised of these instructions in advance of when the case could be heard by the court.
Judge O’Halloran adjourned the case until February 14 this year.
