A man is to undergo psychiatric tests to determine if he is fit to plead in connection with the murder of Michael Hughes in Dublin at the weekend.
Mr Hughes (30) of Cuba, Banagher, Co Offaly, was stabbed to death with garden shears at the Manor Villa apartments in Harold's Cross, Dublin, on Sunday. Tom Connors (24), of Manor Court, Harold's Cross, was arrested at the scene and underwent medical treatment at St James's Hospital, Dublin.
Det Insp Gearóid Begley told the Dublin District Court yesterday that Mr Connors was taken to Terenure Garda station and charged with the murder of Mr Hughes. He made no reply to the charge.
Mr Connors's solicitor, Maura Kiely, requested that her client be given immediate medical attention leading to a psychiatric assessment to ascertain his fitness to plead.
The request was granted by Judge Hugh O'Donnell, as was a request for free legal aid.
Mr Connors was remanded in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court this morning.
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