Ireland

Teenager charged with murder of Japanese man in Dundalk

tributeS: Flowers and a can of Japanese coffee on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene where Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed to death 				Picture: Niall Carson/PA
tributeS: Flowers and a can of Japanese coffee on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene where Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed to death Picture: Niall Carson/PA tributeS: Flowers and a can of Japanese coffee on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene where Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed to death Picture: Niall Carson/PA

AN 18-year-old man appeared in court in Dundalk last night charged with the murder of a Japanese man in the Co Louth town.

Mohammed Morei was accused of murdering 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki, from Ebina, west of Tokyo, on Wednesday morning.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on January 11.

Garda Inspector Martin Beggy told the court there was an issue with the accused’s nationality, which is undetermined at present.

Mr Sasaki was fatally stabbed on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am on Wednesday. Two other men were wounded in separate attacks a short time later.

Gardaí said they have found nothing to indicate the attacks were linked to terrorism.

The accused had come into contact with gardaí in Dundalk on new year’s day about his immigration status.

It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Republic.

Mr Sasaki worked at National Pen, a call centre in Dundalk, and had been living in the Republic for a year.

In a statement last night the company said Mr Sasaki joined them last August and was a valued member of staff.

CEO Peter Kelly said: "This is a time of profound sadness for management and staff. National Pen prides itself on taking the utmost care of its work colleagues. We will do everything possible to assist the family at this tragic time".

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan extended his sympathies those killed or injured, including Mr Sasaki.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said.

Mr Flanagan praised the work of gardaí and cautioned about people jumping to conclusions over the attacks.

"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack ... and would caution against drawing judgments until the gardaí can establish the facts in the course of their investigation," he said.

Louth TD Gerry Adams said: "I want to express my deep sense of shock at the brutal murder of Yosuke Sasaki in Dundalk and the wounding of two other citizens".

Mr Adams said he had sought answers from Mr Flanagan over what contact the arrested man had with the immigration service; what his status was; what steps gardaí took after coming into contact with him; and whether all necessary steps were taken by state agencies who dealt with him.