Sanjeev Chada charged with murdering his two sons

Sanjeev Chada was charged last night with the murders of his sons Eoghan (10) and Ruairí (5) at a special sitting of Swinford District Court, Co Mayo.

Det Sgt Gary Walsh of Castlebar Garda station told the court that when he arrested Mr Chada at Westport Garda station at 7.15pm yesterday and put the two murder charges to him, Mr Chada replied: "I am so sorry, I really wish I hadn't done it."

Mr Chada was remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison, Co Roscommon, and was due to appear at Harristown District Court this morning where the need for a psychiatric assessment was to be raised by his solicitor James Hanley.

The 43-year-old accused did not speak during last night’s five-minute court hearing before Judge Mary Devins, which began at 9.15pm.

Mr Chada was dressed in blue deck shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms, a round-neck navy blue sweatshirt with a white T-shirt underneath.

Mr Chada stood in the body of the court and stared at the ground throughout the hearing. He joined his two hands in front, looking close to tears throughout.

Mr Hanley asked Judge Devins that Mr Chada be placed on suicide watch in prison last night. He said his client had no income and applied for free legal aid, which was granted. There was no bail application.

The funerals of Eoghan and Ruairí Chada will take place in St Lazarian’s Church, Ballinkillen, Co Carlow at 1 pm today.