Man charged with murdering father

A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his father who was shot dead in his home last Sunday.

Unemployed man, Paul Lane, who previously worked in the catering industry, was appearing this afternoon before Judge Tom O’Donnell at Limerick District Court.

The accused was charged with the murder of his father, Michael Christy Lane, at Ballydavid, Littleton, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on September 3 last.

The 50 year-old father of six died after he was shot twice in the chest with a shotgun while watching the All-Ireland minor hurling final in his home last Sunday.

As the accused was led into court by gardaí he repeatedly attempted to cover his face with his arm.

He immediately sat down in the holding area of the court after he was advised by Judge O’Donnell that he was allowed to do so.

The accused, who wore a red tee-shirt, remained silent but appeared very agitated during the brief three-minute court hearing.

During evidence of arrest, charge and caution, the court heard that the accused made no reply when charged with the murder of his father at Thurles Garda Station.

Superintendent Tony Cogan said the State’s application was to remand the accused in custody to Thurles District Court on September 8 next.

Defence solicitor Brian Hughes confirmed to the court that the case was a free legal aid matter and he asked for appropriate medical attention for his client.

There was no bail application and Judge O’Donnell said that any such application should be directed to the High Court.

Judge O’Donnell ordered that the accused should be medically assessed while in custody and that he should receive all necessary treatment.

He remanded the accused man in custody to appear again before Thurles District Court on Friday, September 8, at 10.30am.