Mr Sohrabi did not speak during the brief special sitting of Galway District Court which began shortly at 9.30pm on Saturday night and lasted less than five minutes.

A Persian interpreter was appointed by the court.

Det. Sgt. Frank Hand gave evidence of arresting Sohrabi and charging him at 8.12pm at North Western Regional Headquarters on Saturday night with the murder of Masoumeh Jafri Manojan. He said Sohrabi replied ‘No’ to the charge.

Defending solicitor Cathy McDarby said that given the nature of the charge there would not be an application for bail.

An application for free legal aid and the appointment of a Persian interpreter was granted by the court.

Ms McDarby asked Judge Fiona Lydon that her client be medical and psychiatric assessments be made available in custody.

Judge Lydon granted the request and remanded Sohrabi in custody to appear by video link to Galway District Court next Wednesday.