Courts / Laois / Report

US national pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering father at five-star resort

Summary

A US national has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his 66-year-old father at the five-star Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Co Laois over a year ago. Henry McGowan (31), with an address in Brooklyn, New York, is charged with the murder of John McGowan (66) at Ballyfin Demesne on November 12, 2024. Mr McGowan was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on the single charge of murder and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Mr Justice Sean Gillane informed the jury that the case will involve mental health issues and asked potential jurors to be available until Friday. The prosecution is led by Brendan Grehan SC, while the defence team includes Michael Bowman SC and Olan Callanan BL. A jury of six men and six women was sworn in, and the trial is set to begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, expected to last three days.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: US national pleads not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering father at five-star resort. Charges or matters: the murder of John McGowan (66) at Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Portlaoise, Co Laois, on November 12, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 12, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-02-09 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report