Henry McGowan killed his father in Ballyfin Demesne in November 2024.
A 31-year-old American man has gone on trial accused of murdering his father at the Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois.
Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 66-year-old, John McGowan, by reason of insanity.
John and Henry McGowan arrived at the Ballyfin Demesne – a 5-star country house hotel – just after 6pm on the 12th of November 2024.
Just a few hours later, John was dead.
It happened in a changing room just off the hotel’s swimming pool area where, moments beforehand, his son Henry was spotted lying naked on a lounger.
John McGowan had arrived into Dublin that morning after becoming concerned about his son’s mental health as he travelled around Europe.
There is no dispute who killed him.
In his garda interviews, Henry McGowan admitted strangling his father on the floor of the bathroom with his bare hands.
The issue for the jury to decide relates to his state of mind at the time and whether he satisfies the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Carlow Man Dies In Workplace Accident
Details Announced For Next Public Sector Pay Strike
Offaly TD Slams Lack Of Answers From HSE On Midlands Hospice
Two People Taken To Hospital Following Midlands Crash
Acting Media Minister Promises Enforcement Of Reforms At State Broadcaster
Trade Union Movement "Too Quiet For Far Too Long" - Forsa Rep
Man Dies In Workplace Accident
Fleadh Cheoil Needs More Recognition - Westmeath Councillor