A man in his 30s has appeared in court charged with the murder of his father at a five-star hotel in County Laois earlier this week.

30-year-old Henry McGowan, of Clinton Street, Brooklyn, New York, appeared before Portlaoise District Court this morning.

He is accused of killing his father, John McGowan, on Tuesday, at Ballyfin Demesne.

His solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, told the court that it is accepted the accused has significant mental health issues.

He asked for immediate medical assistance in prison, which was granted.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald outside Portlaoise District Court, 14/11/2024.

Mr McGowan has been remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison, in Dublin.

He is due to appear in court next week.

Feature image Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie