Man charged with the 2012 murder of Seamus Doherty in Churchill

A 52-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Donegal pensioner Seamus Doherty at Churchill four years ago.
Samuel James Clarke, Magherahane, Raphoe, was remanded in custody at Buncrana District Court this morning.
He is charged with murdering 67-year old Mr. Doherty on either June 16 or June 17, 2012. The victim’s body was discovered during the early hours of the 17^th.
Described as a ‘small farmer’, the accused was handcuffed and led into the courtroom by four gardaí shortly before 10.30am on Thursday.
Clarke did not speak during the brief hearing but told gardaí “no comment” when he was initially charged late on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Pat O’Donnell told Judge James Faughnan that Clarke was arrested in Raphoe at 8.55pm on Wednesday night.
He was conveyed to Letterkennny Garda Station, where he was charged with murder less than an hour later, at 9.44pm.
After charge and caution Clarke replied: “No comment.”
He was remanded in custody to appear before Harristown Court tomorrow, Friday.
Clarke’s solicitor Donough Cleary was granted legal aid at Thursday’s court hearing in Buncrana.
Mr. Cleary informed Judge Faughnan that Clarke requires regular painkillers and eye-drops for glaucoma.
The judge directed that the defendant be given “all the medical attention he requires.”