Cork murder accused remanded in custody

A 25-year-old man appeared at Cork District Court charged with murdering his mother at the family home in Montenotte on Monday.

Paul Horgan, who sat beside a member of An Garda Síochána, and was accompanied by several members of the investigative team, was not required to speak during the brief hearing yesterday.

Mr Horgan, wearing black pants and an open-necked white shirt, sat quietly, staring at the floor at Courtroom 4 at the courthouse on Washington St in Cork.

Garda Mark Durcan gave evidence of arresting Mr Horgan at Murmont Avenue on Monday, November 24, at 8am.

The accused was conveyed to Mayfield Garda Station where he was questioned.

On Tuesday at 8pm, Garda Durcan charged him with the murder of his mother Marian Horgan, aged 61, contrary to common law.

Marian and Billy Horgan: Described by neighbours as fit and healthy.

“I cautioned him that you are not obliged to say anything and that anything you do say will be taken down in writing and may be given in evidence,” Garda Durcan said.

Mr Horgan made no reply.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, said the accused was a student, and he applied for free legal aid to represent Mr Horgan.

Judge Leo Malone acceded to that application.

Judge Malone said that because the charge was one of murder, the issue of bail did not arise at district court level.

A person accused of murder can apply for bail at any time, but such an application must be made before the High Court in Dublin.

There was no indication yesterday that any such application would be made.

Judge Malone remanded him in custody to appear again at Courtroom 6 at 10.30am next Tuesday. “That is for service of the book of evidence,” the judge said.

Mr Kelleher, solicitor, said, “Could I ask that he be examined by a psychiatrist.” Judge Malone acceded to that application.