A 36-year old man has been charged with the murder of Cork mother of 3 Olivia Dunlea.

Darren Murphy of Dan Desmond Villas, Passage West in Cork appeared before Cork District Court this afternoon.

Garda Anthony Harrington told the court that he arrested Mr. Murphy at his home on Sunday evening and brought him to Togher Garda Station.

He charged him today with the murder of Olivia Dunlea at her home at Pembroke Crescent last Sunday.

The court heard that the 36-year old accused made no reply to the charge.

Book of evidence to be prepared

Inspector Finbarr O'Sullivan said that the Director of Public Proesutions (DPP) directed that the case go to trial and a book of evidence will need to be prepared.

Judge Leo Malone remanded the accused in custody until this Thursday.

Solicitor for Darren Murphy - Emmet Boyle - applied for a psychiatric examination to be carried out on his client.

Olivia Dunlea's body was found inside her home after a fire broke out on Sunday morning.

A post mortem later concluded that she died from stab wounds.