Man Accused of Father’s Murder at Laois Hotel
A 30-year-old man is accused of his father’s murder at Laois hotel. It was a five-star hotel located in County Laois.
The man is named Henry McGowan who was charged with the offence of his father’s murder. He lived at Clinton Street, Brooklyn, New York.
Man got immediately arrested for father’s murder at Laois hotel
The man was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act in 1984. He is now at Garda station situated in the Eastern region.
The police mentioned that he would be questioned for the next 24 hours, for which he would remain at the station. The breaks are excluded from the questioning sections and then he would be finally charged or released, based on the court’s decision.
The murder took place on 12 November, Tuesday at The Lodge, Ballyfin Demesne, Ballysin, a short time before 20:00 local time.
His father, John McGowan, 60, was found dead in the leisure area of the five-star hotel. He had travelled to Ireland from the United States recently on Tuesday and checked into the Laois hotel.
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Garda detective and judge’s rulings
A garda detective Ger Galwey gave evidence of the accusation for the man and his arrest by saying that Mr McGowan did not make any response when he was charged with his father’s murder at Co Laois.
Judge Andrew Cody at Portlaoise District Court has given the order for the man’s remand and custody to Cloverhill Prison yesterday when the man appeared before the court. The judge stated that the case is adjourned till 18 November and would be conducted via video link on the said date.
The defence solicitor has another explanation
The man’s defending solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald said that he had accepted the fact that the court did not grant bail and had no jurisdiction for the matter.
Also, the solicitor informed that his client has major mental health issues and requested that judge Cody for prison service for his immediate medical assistance. The judge agreed.
The Laois hotel is sealed
Garda has now sealed off Laois hotel for further investigation at the crime scene. Garda explained that within Laois hotel, they are probing for “all the circumstances surrounding the death”. Requests have been made to the Office of the State Pathologists and Garda Technical Bureau for cooperation in the investigation.
A spokesperson from Garda said,
“A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has also been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be appointed to support the family of the deceased”.
A local councillor explained the situation
James Kelly, the local councillor told that the community was shocked by the tragic incident. However, he thanked for the help coming from the fire department, emergency services agencies, Gardai and the health service who promptly responded and were there at the crime scene.
Mr Kelly elucidated that the team has been talking to locals and the parents of children who are working at Laois Hotel. They were equally shocked and did not know how to comment on what had happened.
However, he ensured that Garda would take control of things now and would do whatever they think is necessary with all their available resources. Such an unfortunate incident must not have happened to anyone within or outside the hotel, the councillor admitted.
Also, local Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus McDonald mentioned this morning that the investigation would be taken seriously since the hotel has a reputation to maintain around the globe.
He added that Ireland is a good tourist spot and a great country where opportunities open up each day.
He confirmed that both the man and his father were tourists who came to the country to stay for some days. The victim was a US national who had come for some days and his son was also travelling with him.
The Laois Hotel, Ballyfin Demesne
The five-star hotel, Ballyfin Demesne is a luxury hotel that stretches on a 614-acre estate. It is situated on a scenic view near Slieve Bloom mountains. The woods, hills and water around the hotel make the place a must-stay spot.
It is one of the most extravagant Regency mansions in Ireland that has remained an attraction for guests and tourists from all over the world.
Furthermore, it has a historical significance as well. The legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill stayed at the place during his childhood and was once home to the Coote family for over a century.
The cost of staying one night at the hotel is at least €1,400 per night. It has catered to some of the most renowned celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who enjoyed their honeymoon in 2014 while staying here.
George and Amal Clooney have been their prestigious guests as well.
The hotel has won various awards for its hospitality and service quality. It was voted as a top resort in the United Kingdom and Ireland for the year 2024. The nomination was to be made by Travel + Leisure readers.
Regarding the incident, the hotel management chose to stay silent before any further details came out from the police.
FAQs
1. Who is the suspect in this case?
The suspect is Henry McGowan, a 30-year-old man from Clinton Street, Brooklyn, New York, who is accused of murdering his father, John McGowan, at a five-star hotel in County Laois, Ireland.
2. Where did the alleged murder take place?
The alleged murder occurred at The Lodge, Ballyfin Demesne, a five-star luxury hotel in Ballysin, County Laois, Ireland.
3. When did the incident happen?
The incident took place on Tuesday, 12 November, shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
4. What was the condition of the victim, John McGowan?
John McGowan, 60, was found dead in the leisure area of the hotel. He had arrived in Ireland from the United States on the day of the incident.
5. How did the Garda handle the arrest?
Henry McGowan was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He was taken to a Garda station in the Eastern region for questioning, where he can be detained for up to 24 hours, excluding breaks.
6. What happened at the suspect’s court appearance?
During a hearing at Portlaoise District Court, Judge Andrew Cody ordered that Henry McGowan be remanded in custody at Cloverhill Prison. The case has been adjourned until 18 November, when it will be heard via video link.
7. Is Henry McGowan receiving medical assistance?
Yes, Henry McGowan’s defence solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, informed the court that McGowan suffers from major mental health issues and requested immediate medical assistance. The judge agreed to the request.
