Psychiatric help for accused granted

A 30-YEAR-OLD man charged with the murder of a father and son is to get psychiatric help if he is deemed to need it, a court ordered yesterday.

Thomas Barrett, of Cleandries, Causeway, Co Kerry, was brought before Listowel District Court on charges of murdering Michael Hanrahan, 60, and his son, Denis, 27, on March 26, at their home near Moyvane, Co Kerry.

He was initially charged at a special court sitting in Listowel on Monday night, when he replied “no” after both murder charges were read to him, and he was remanded in custody.

His solicitor Michael Dowling asked for “appropriate medical and psychiatric treatment” to be made available as his client’s family were concerned about his medical condition. He also had a letter from a psychiatrist recommending treatment.

Judge Mary O’Halloran remanded Barrett in continuing custody to April 10 next, recommending that he be provided with any medical and psychiatric treatment warranted.

She assigned Mr Dowling and said she would deal with applications for legal aid in due course.