Man charged with murder of partner’s son

A 43-year-old man was yesterday charged with the murder of his partner’s son, who died following a fatal stabbing last year.

Father-of-one Dean Fitzpatrick (23) was found at an apartment at Burnell Square, Northern Cross, on the Malahide Road, Dublin, and was rushed to Beaumont Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Dean was the brother of missing teenager Amy Fitzpatrick, who vanished in Spain six years ago.

Dave Mahon, a former estate agent from Dublin who has been living in Spain with his partner Audrey Fitzpatrick, Dean's mother, was remanded in custody yesterday.

Shortly after Dean’s death, Mr Mahon had been questioned by gardaí, but he was released as a file on the investigation was prepared for the DPP.

He flew back to Dublin last week and yesterday, after presenting himself at Coolock Garda station, he was formally charged with the murder of his partner’s son.

Waved
He entered the packed courtroom yesterday and waved to Audrey Fitzpatrick, as she watched proceedings from the public gallery.

Detective Garda Brendan Meares told the court he met Mr Mahon by appointment at 9.26am at Coolock Garda station. He said Mr Mahon, with an address at The Crescent, Ongar Village, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, "made no reply after caution".

Due to the nature of the charge, the issue of bail can only considered in the High Court and Judge Cormac Dunne remanded Mr Mahon in custody. He has not yet formally indicated how he will plead and will face his next hearing at Cloverhill District Court on April 2nd.