Son charged with murder of father in Dublin

A 33-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his 64-year-old father at their home in Dublin.

Seth Whelan is charged with the murder of Michael Whelan between 19 and 27 February 2024 at the flat they shared on Herberton Park.

He is also facing three other charges, production of a table leg and a knife as weapons and criminal damage to a doorbell at the house next door.

Judge Shalom Binchy remanded Seth Whelan in custody for a week.

Detectives from Kilmainham Garda Station brought Seth Whelan before the sitting of the Dublin District Court to face four charges in connection with the murder of his father.

Gardaí discovered the body of Michael Whelan at his home on Herberton Road last Tuesday afternoon.

Seth Whelan is also accused of criminal damage to the house next door on Tuesday 27 February.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Charles gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He told the court that he arrested Seth Whelan at 3.20pm today and the accused made no reply to any of the charges when they were put to him but indicated he understood.

There was no application for bail as bail cannot be granted on a murder charge but defence solicitor Sandra Frayne applied for free legal aid and psychiatric treatment for the accused.

Seth Whelan sat in the dock with his head bowed and did not speak during the brief hearing.

He consented through his solicitor to appear by video link at his next hearing.

Judge Shalom Binchy granted him free legal aid, directed he receive psychiatric attention and remanded him in custody to appear again by video link at Clover Hill District Court next Thursday.