33-year-old charged with murder of his father

Defendant remanded in custody until Friday next


Ballina
Edwin McGreal


A 33-year-old has been charged with the murder of his father on Sunday last in south Mayo.
John Biggins of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, Co Mayo appeared before Ballina District Court this morning (Tuesday) charged with the murder of his father, Tom Biggins (71), at the family home, at the same address, located close to the village of Glencorrib.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Harristown Remand Centre, Castlerea on this coming Friday at 10.30am.
Tom Biggins died from gunshot wounds at 4,30pm on Sunday at University Hospital Galway following an incident at the family farm at approximately 2.15pm. Two spent shotgun shells were found at the scene.
John Biggins was arrested at the scene and was taken to Claremorris Garda Station and he was officially arrested at 10.21pm last night (Monday) at Mount Street, Claremorris. Detective Sergeant James Carroll told Ballina District Court that when cautioned if he had anything to say, John Biggins replied: ‘I have nothing to say’.
SeΡn Foy, solicitor for John Biggins, applied to Judge Denis McLoughlin to direct that the defendant obtain the appropriate medical treatment that is deemed necessary in prison.
He said he was asking for this because the defendant has been under ‘constant medical care’ for the ‘last number of years’, both as an impatient and continually as an outpatient.
Judge McLoughlin directed that Mr Biggins receive the appropriate medical treatment.
Up to a dozen family and friends were in court with John Biggins.