Murder suspect 'sought psychiatric treatment'

The man at the centre of a Garda investigation into a fatal stabbing in Harold's Cross on Saturday is reported to have been refused admission into two Dublin psychiatric units last week.

The 24-year-old, who was arrested close to the scene of the murder at Manor Villas apartment complex on Saturday, was initially questioned by detectives at Sundrive Road station.

But a Garda statement last night revealed he had been moved to St James's Hospital to receive treatment after becoming ill during questioning.

It was been reported that the man presented himself at St James's Hospital on two separate occasions and once at St Vincents' Hospital.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has so far refused to confirm any details about the suspect but insists it is endeavouring to "establish the facts" and co-operate fully with the Garda investigation.

Gardaí today named the victim as 30-year-old Michael Hughes of Banagher, Co Offaly. Mr Hughes's body was found at the apartment complex by gardaí after neighbours alerted them to a disturbance.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. A postmortem revealed he had died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

It is believed he was repeatedly stabbed in the upper body with a garden shears. The suspect, who was arrested at the scene, was initially questioned at Sundrive Road Garda Station. He was taken to St James's Hospital for treatment yesterday, however gardai confirmed he had not received any physical injuries. It is understood the victim was staying with a relative in Dublin for the night at the time of the attack.