Man Strangles Father After Hotel Check-In, Court Hears Details

A court has revealed harrowing details surrounding the death of a 66-year-old man, allegedly strangled by his son shortly after their arrival at a hotel in Ireland. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin is currently hearing the case of Henry McGowan, who is accused of murdering his father, John McGowan, at Ballyfin Demesne in Co Laois on November 12, 2024.

The prosecution outlined that Henry McGowan, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, was experiencing a relapse of a schizoaffective disorder at the time of the incident. Reports suggest he believed his father was an “imposter” when he allegedly committed the act.

Investigators were alerted to the incident shortly before 20:00 local time on November 12, when they received a call regarding a serious situation at the hotel’s swimming pool area. Upon arrival, authorities found John McGowan in critical condition, and he was later pronounced dead. The prosecution claims that Henry McGowan had put a “full fist” into his father’s throat during the attack.

The jury heard that prior to the incident, Henry McGowan arrived at Dublin Airport on a flight from London on November 11. Authorities had been alerted by the UK’s Metropolitan Police regarding concerns for his welfare, yet they were unable to locate him at the airport. After discarding his belongings, including his phone and passport, Henry McGowan made his way into Dublin city. He later sought help at the Mater Hospital, citing mental health challenges.

The case took a troubling turn as the relationship between the father and son deteriorated during their stay at the five-star resort. Witnesses reported that John McGowan expressed concerns about his son not taking his medication. After arriving at the hotel, the father and son interacted normally, with no apparent signs of distress.

During the trial, barrister Will Fennelly detailed that CCTV footage showed Henry McGowan naked at the pool area before both men entered a cubicle. Shortly thereafter, staff became concerned for John McGowan’s wellbeing, leading them to discover him lying on the ground, severely injured.

The trial revealed that Henry McGowan had recounted his actions to police, stating, “I killed who I thought was my father… I hit his head against the wall and strangled him.” He described the struggle he faced during the act, claiming it took approximately eight minutes for his father to stop breathing.

The defense is expected to present evidence from psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Monks, who evaluated Henry McGowan and concluded that he was suffering from an acute psychotic episode at the time of the incident. Both the defense and prosecution psychiatrists agreed on the defendant’s mental state, suggesting that he did not comprehend the nature of his actions.

As the trial progresses, the jury is tasked with determining whether Henry McGowan’s mental health condition significantly impaired his judgment during the incident. The case continues to unfold under the watch of Justice Paul McDermott and a jury composed of six men and six women.