Man remanded in custody charged with murders of two men in Sligo

A man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee.

Yousef Palani, 22, of Markievicz Heights, Sligo, was remanded after appearing at Sligo District Court.

Mr Moffitt, 42, and Mr Snee, 58, were found dead in their homes in Sligo earlier this week.

He was charged with the murder of Mr Moffitt at Cartron Heights in Sligo on April 10, and with the murder of Mr Snee at City View in Sligo on April 12.

He was also charged with assault causing serious harm at Cleveragh Road, Sligo on April 9.

The man who was assaulted, Anthony Burke, was applauded by crowds as he walked down the street before entering the court building.

A short time later, Palani was heckled and shouted at by onlookers as he was driven from the Garda station in a van and escorted by gardaí into court.

Palani, wearing a grey sweater, appeared before District Judge Sandra Murphy during a brief hearing which was attended by the families of the dead men.

The court heard that Palani made no response when charged with the murder of Mr Moffitt and when he was charged with assault, but responded "I understand that", when charged with the murder of Mr Snee.

There was no application for bail.

Defence solicitor Gerry McGovern requested an immediate psychiatric assessment of his client, as well as applying for legal aid, describing Palani as unemployed. He also requested that the accused be put on suicide watch by the prison service.

Judge Murphy directed that a psychiatric assessment be carried out and that any medical treatment necessary be provided.

Legal aid was also granted.

Palani is to appear before the same court by video link on April 21.