A man has appeared before Dublin District Court charged with the murder of his father at an address in Malahide, Co Dublin.
Stephane Benz (29), a Swiss national, with an address at Gainsborough Lawns, Malahide, Co Dublin appeared before a special sitting of Dublin District Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Sunday afternoon. He wore a black hoodie and grey jeans.
Det Garda Alan Roche, Malahide, told Judge Máire Conneelly he arrested Mr Benz at 1.37am on Sunday at Coolock Garda station for purpose of charge and was present when he was charged at 1.57am.
He was later present at 10.20am when Mr Benz was charged with the murder of Urz Benz (62) at Gainsborough Lawns on February 8th 2025, an earlier manslaughter charge sheet having been withdrawn, Det Gda Roche said.
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Mr Benz made no reply after caution, he said.
Solicitor Michael O’Connor, for Mr Benz, said because the charge was murder, there could not be an application for bail before the District Court.
He asked the judge to return the matter before the High Court bail sittings at Cloverhill on Wednesday. He also asked that a psychiatric evaluation be ordered and said his client is a suitable candidate for legal aid.
Judge Connelly returned the matter to Cloverhill court on Wednesday and remanded Mr Benz in custody. She was told a statement of means will be filed for a legal aid application.
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