Two 17-year-olds forwarded to Central Criminal Court for murder and robbery of Alex Coughlan

Judge Shalom Binchy refused to separate the robbery allegation from the murder, ordering that Youth One and Youth Two, now 17, be forwarded to the Central Criminal Court on two charges each. The victim’s father, John Coughlan, attended the hearing as video evidence of the May 17 assault was shown. Prosecutors allege the teenagers met the 37-year-old victim through the Grindr app, lured him to a secluded area on Mill Road, and assaulted him, resulting in fatal head injuries and neck compression.

They allegedly stole his gold ring, an AIB card and a Revolut card, later using the latter for purchases. Phone forensics linked Youth One to the victim via a contact labelled “Prey two,” and CCTV captured the encounter. Witnesses described the youths kicking, punching and filming the attack, with one shouting derogatory remarks. Both suspects are held on remand pending trial in the next legal term.