‘Serious fears’ over mental health of man charged with mother’s murder
A SOLICITOR has told a court that he has “serious concerns” about the mental health of a man charged with the murder of his mother.
Tomasz Piotrowski (32) said “no comment” after he was charged with killing married mother-of-two Elzbieta Piortrowska. The 57-year-old, who was originally from Poland, was attacked with an axe and killed in Ardee, Co Louth, on Tuesday morning.
Judge John Cheatle remanded Mr Piotrowski in custody at Drogheda District Court yesterday to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.
The judge also ordered that the accused receive the appropriate medical attention after his solicitor Paddy Goodwin told the court that he had “serious concerns about his client’s mental health”.
Mr Piotrowski, of Cherrybrook, Ardee, must apply to the High Court for bail on a murder charge. He is charged with the murder of his mother at her home on the Clonmore Estate in Ardee.
Ms Piortrowska’s body was found by a neighbour in the hallway of her home at around 11am on Tuesday.
Yesterday, Sergeant Jim McCumiskey told the court that Mr Piotrowski was charged at Drogheda garda station shortly after 9.20pm on Wednesday.
Sgt McCumiskey said the accused was handed a true copy of the charge sheet, and in reply after caution he said “no comment”.
Mr Goodwin said the accused was unemployed and on social welfare, and Judge Cheatle assigned him on free legal aid.
The accused, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, did not address the court during the short hearing.