The 36-year-old son of a woman found dead near her home in Ratoath Co Meath early this morning has been charged in relation to her death at Navan District Court.
Mr Kevin Bridgeman, The Old Mill, Ratoath, was charged with assault causing harm to his mother Marie (56) at The Old Mill, Ratoath between 11.30 p.m. on January 21st and 12.30 a.m. this morning.
The court heard this was a holding charge and when detective garda Michael English put it to him Mr Bridgeman replied: "Why does it just say harm, she is dead isn't she?"
Solicitor Ms Frances Barren said she had serious concerns about the accused. Judge John Brophy directed a psychiatric assessment be carried out and a report on the accused's mental capacity to understand the charge preferred against him.
She also said she believed Mr Bridgeman needed care in custody.
Judge John Brophy asked that he be given special observation status while on remand in jail and remanded him in custody to appear before Kilcock District Court next Tuesday.
The Assistant State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy who examined the scene in Ratoath in the early hours of this morning was due to carry out a post mortem later.