Henry McGowan (30) charged with murder after fatal assault of man (60s) at Ballyfin Demesne hotel

Court is told accused has significant mental health issues and medical assistance is sought from prison service

Garda technical bureau van leaves Ballyfin House Hotel in Co Laois on Wednesday morning. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Garda technical bureau van leaves Ballyfin House Hotel in Co Laois on Wednesday morning. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

A man (30) has appeared before Portlaoise District Court on Thursday morning charged with murder following the fatal assault of a man in his 60s at the five-star Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Co Laois on Tuesday night.

Henry McGowan, with an address at Clinton Street, Brookyn, New York, United States, was charged with the offence that allegedly took place at Ballyfin Lodge, Ballyfin, Laois, on November 12th.

Det Garda Ger Galwey gave evidence of the arrest and said when cautioned Mr McGowan made no reply to the charge.

Judge Andrew Cody remained the accused in custody to Cloverhill Prison and adjourned the case to November 18th to be conducted by video link.

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Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said he accepted the court had no jurisdiction to grant bail.

He said that it has been accepted that his client has significant mental health issues and asked Judge Cody to request the prison service to provide immediate medical assistance to Mr McGowan, to which he agreed.