Murder case adjourned as accused medically assessed

An Italian man accused of the murder of well-known pro-life campaigner and religious writer Tom O’Gorman at his north Dublin home could not come to court yesterday.

Judge Victor Blake further remanded him in his absence after he was told that Saverio Bellante, 34, would not be present for his hearing. The judge was furnished with a letter from Paul O’Connell at the Central Mental Hospital and adjourned the case until Jan 31.

Meanwhile, a warning was given to the media to be careful in their reporting of proceedings and the judge was told by Mr Bellante’s lawyer a complaint has already been sent to the DPP over publicity connected to the case.