Cork Man Appears in Court Following Family Tragedy
A 25-year-old man from Cork has been formally charged with the murder of his mother and the assault of his father following a violent incident at the family home. David Gallagher, of Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, stood before Cork District Court this afternoon to face the serious allegations.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The court heard that the charges relate to a stabbing that occurred on the night of Monday, November 17. Gallagher is accused of murdering his 59-year-old mother, Stella Gallagher, at their residence. He also faces a charge of assault causing harm to his father, Brian Gallagher, at the same address on the same evening.
Tragically, Stella Gallagher was rushed to Cork University Hospital but was pronounced dead. She was a respected chemical engineer who had dedicated many years of her career to the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in Cork.
Court Proceedings and Custody Arrangements
Detective Sergeant Niall Hayes of Blackrock Garda Station provided evidence of the arrest, charge, and caution. He informed the court that when the charges were read to Gallagher under caution at 1:27 pm today, the accused made no reply.
Gallagher had been detained for questioning at the Bridewell Garda Station prior to the court appearance. Sergeant John Kelleher stated that gardaí will be seeking a remand in custody when the case returns to Cork District Court on November 26.
Bail was not applied for, as it is not granted at the district court level for a murder charge. Defence solicitor Shane Collins Daly successfully applied for free legal aid for his client, who is currently unemployed.
The solicitor also revealed that Gallagher had been under medical supervision while in custody, seen by a practitioner approximately every eight hours and receiving medication. He urgently requested a full medical and psychiatric evaluation for his client during his time in prison.
Judge John King approved this request, ordering that the defendant receive the necessary medical care while in custody.
