MURDER CHARGER SON IN COURT

Special sitting after three dead at family's home | Psychiatric assessment order by judge | Tributes to victims ahead of vigil tonight

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

A MAN appeared in court last night charged with the murder of three members of his family.

Robert O'Connor, 31 is charged with the murder of his dad Mark, his mother Louise and brother Evan at their home in Drumgowna, Louth Village.

The bodies of Mark, 54, Louise, 56, and 27-year-old Evan were discovered at their home on Monday before 10am.

O'Connor, of Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before Judge Stephanie Coggans at a special sitting of Drogheda District Court yesterday evening, charged with three counts of murder.

Garda Shane O'Malley of Drogheda Garda Station gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning O'Connor on three counts of murder.

He said he arrested the accused yesterday at 4.43pm at Drogheda Garda Station for the purpose of three counts of murder.

He cautioned the accused who made "no reply" after caution.

At 5.44pm yesterday evening, Gda O'Malley said he charged the accused with the three counts of murder and the accused made "no reply" to each charge after caution.

Solicitor for the accused Paul James Moore made an application for a psychiatric assessment saying the accused has been with mental health services since he was 22.

CUSTODY

Judge Coggans directed a psychiatric assessment and granted Mr O'Connor legal aid to include one counsel on all sheets.

No bail was sought for Mr O'Connor as the district court does not deal with bail hearings for persons charged with murder. Murder charge bail hearings can only be heard before the High Court.

O'Connor was remanded in custody to appear before Drogheda District Court via video link on Monday at 10.30pm.

Dressed in a grey top, black tracksuit bottoms and black runners, O'Connor did not address the court during the short hearing.

His brother Cian, accompanied by the family's Garda liaison officer attended the court hearing.