A DATE has been set for the trial of a man accused of brutally murdering an Irishman in Perth, Australia last year.
Charles 'Charlie' McCarthy, 32, originally from Co. Cork, suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was allegedly struck in the head with a screwdriver on Saturday, December 23 2017.
The father-of-two, who worked as a cable layer in Perth, was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries - just two days before Christmas.
He had been walking along Riverside Road in East Fremantle with his wife Nicole and a friend when he was involved in an altercation with a passer-by in the early hours of the morning.
Local fisherman Andrew Doan, 34, was originally charged with Mr McCarthy's manslaughter, but the charge against him has since been upgraded to murder.
Cork man Charles 'Charlie' McCarthy, 32, died in Perth just two days before last Christmas (Image: Facebook)RTÉ News reports that a trial start date of February 11, 2019 was confirmed by a judge in Perth this morning.
The case will be heard at the city's Supreme Court and is listed for six days.
Mr McCarthy moved to Australia in 2000 and was originally from Upper Aghada in east Cork.
He is survived by his wife Nicole and two young daughters.
An online tribute to the Irishman reads: "His big smile and quick laugh lit up every room. A fun dad, he was as adored by his children as he adored them.
"He gave his love so easily and welcomed everyone into his world. A wonderful husband, an incredible father, and the most loyal friend you could ask for.
"He is irreplaceable and will be forever missed."
