Trainee solicitor charged with murder of his father in Balbriggan

Dáire McCormack-George was remanded in custody with order for immediate psychiatric care

Dáire McCormack-George, a trainee solicitor, applied for legal aid due to the seriousness of the charge. Photograph: LinkedIn
Dáire McCormack-George, a trainee solicitor, applied for legal aid due to the seriousness of the charge. Photograph: LinkedIn

A trainee solicitor has been charged with the murder of his father, who was found stabbed to death in his Dublin home.

Scott George, a finance academic and married father of two in his 70s with adult children, was found dead at the detached house on Thursday night at Tobersool Lane, near Balbriggan.

Dáire McCormack-George (29) was remanded in custody with an order that he receive immediate psychiatric care after appearing before Judge William Aylmer at Dublin District Court on Saturday morning. He was charged with the murder of Scott George contrary to common law.

The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in a murder case, which requires an application to be brought before the High Court.

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Mr McCormack-George is a PhD holder, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, and Hertford College, Oxford, and a published author with expertise in European law.

Dressed in a navy zipped-up fleece jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and cream footwear, he sat silently with his arms folded and legs crossed during the brief hearing but did not address the court.

The accused, who has an address at Cabra Road, Phibsborough, Dublin, has yet to indicate a plea.

Garda Ultan McElroy told the court he arrested the accused for the purpose of charge at Balbriggan station at 10.42pm on Friday and the charge was put to him at 11.28pm.

The court heard he was cautioned in the usual manner, and he “made no reply” to the charge and was handed a true copy.

Defence solicitor Danny Nolan then moved two applications.

He said his client was a trainee solicitor, but due to the seriousness of the alleged offence, he was seeking legal aid, which was granted.

Mr Nolan said Mr McCormack-George had been diagnosed with mental health issues and would be grateful if he received a visit from a prison psychologist. “He has prescribed medication which he has not received in a number of days and he is anxious to receive it,” Mr Nolan said.

The judge remanded Mr McCormack-George in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.

Furthermore, he directed that the accused would receive immediate psychiatric assessment and treatment that may be required while in prison.