A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of three family members in Co Louth.
Robert O’Connor, 31, of Drumgowna, Louth Village, was brought before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court this evening, where, according to RTÉ, he faced three counts of murder.
He is charged with the murder of his mother Louise, his father Mark, and his brother Evan at their family home in the Drumgowna area, who, according to RTÉ, were found dead yesterday morning.
Garda Shane O’Malley of Drogheda Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution. According to RTÉ, the court was informed that the accused made no reply when the charges were presented to him.
There was no application for bail, as RTÉ reports that the District Court lacks the jurisdiction to grant such a request.
Evan, Mark, and Louise O’Connor were described as good neighbours and an ‘integral part’ of their local community, according to RTÉ.
Judge Stephanie Coggans remanded the accused in custody to appear before the same court again via video-link on Monday, 6 October, per RTÉ.
Solicitor Paul James Moore made two applications before the court. According to RTÉ, he stated that his client had been with mental health services since the age of 22, and his first application was for his client to receive an appropriate psychiatric assessment. Mr. Moore’s second application, as reported by RTÉ, was for legal aid.
Judge Coggans granted both applications and provided free legal aid in the form of one solicitor and one legal counsel, according to RTÉ.
Dressed in a grey jumper and black tracksuit bottoms, Robert O’Connor did not address the court, RTÉ reports.
According to RTÉ, a family member of the accused was present in court for the brief hearing this evening.
