Court grants funeral bail for murder suspect son

A young Gaelic football star charged with murdering his father has been granted compassionate bail to attend the funeral.

Omagh Magistrates’ Court heard today that Sean Hackett had made an admission to police that he shot his 60-year-old father, Aloysius, at the family home near Augher, Co Tyrone.

But a defence lawyer told the court that the 18-year-old suffers from depression and continues to have the love and support of his family.

His mother, two brothers and sister attended court and waved to the defendant in the dock.

District Judge Bernie Kelly refused bail outright but granted compassionate bail for a number of hours tomorrow to attend the funeral.

Mr Hackett will be chaperoned to the Requiem Mass by his lawyer, Adrian O’Kane, and Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte and will not be allowed to speak to anyone else, including family members.

The Public Prosecution Service has appealed over the judge’s decision.