Katy French Tragedy Goes To Court

The tragic death of top Irish model Katy French just before Christmas two years ago has led to a court appearance.

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court facing charges as part of the garda investigation into the sudden death.

At Navan District Court yesterday Detective Garda Niall O'Donnell told the judge he served the book of evidence, which contains prosecution evidence, on the accused.

Before the court was Russell Memery with an address at Yellow Clay Manor, Navan.

It is alleged that on December 1, 2007 at the Statoil service station, Bracetown, Clonee Co Meath, he conspired with persons not before the court to possess a controlled drug - cocaine - to supply to another.

His solicitor Miriam Regan said she was seeking a short adjournment to consider the book of evidence and had spoken to the State Solicitor about it.

Judge Tom Fitzpatrick adjourned the case until the 1st April next.

The 24-year-old socialite died in hospital on December 6, two years ago, having been in a coma for a number of days.

A post mortem revealed she has suffered brain damage and traces of cocaine were found in her system.

The garda investigation led to the arrest of a number of people and a file was sent to the prosecution service (DPP) last year.

In statement at the time of the death, her family said: "Katy has passed away peacefully in the arms of her sister Jill and alongside her Mom and Dad.

"Her family thanks everyone so much for all the prayers and support and especially all the staff in Navan Hospital who gave her special care and attention throughout.

"We have been overwhelmed by the letters, blessings, gifts and prayers from people all over the country. It gave us strength and helped Katy so much.

"Although we did not get our yearned for miracle, all the expressions of love you sent her were powerfully healing in different ways."

See: Post-Mortem To Be Carried Out On Katy French

(BMcC/JM)