A man charged with the murder of his wife and two young sons in Co Westmeath last weekend has been transferred to the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, for psychiatric treatment.
Mr Gregory Fox (32), of Kilcleagh, Castledaly, Co Westmeath, who is charged with the murder of his wife Debbie and their two sons, Cillian and Trevor, at their home in Castledaly on July 28th, did not appear before a remand hearing at Athlone District Court yesterday.
The chief medical officer at Clover Hill Prison, Dr Noel Browne, told the court Mr Fox had been assessed by medical staff at the prison after he was remanded there on August 1st, and was transferred immediately to the Central Mental Hospital.
Dr Browne said Mr Fox, who had suffered from injuries to his hands, was now under the care of Dr Harry Kennedy, chief psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital. He indicated Mr Fox was not fit to attend court and might not able to attend for some time.
Judge Michael Connellan issued a "sick" warrant, to be sent to Clover Hill Prison for Mr Fox to be brought before the court next Friday. He said he would issue further warrants on a weekly basis until such time as Mr Fox was fit to appear before the court.
Mr Hugh Campbell, defending, asked that his client receive physiotherapy for his injuries at Tallaght Hospital.