A man in his 70s who was assaulted at his home in Co Donegal earlier this week has died in hospital.
Derek Burns died at Letterkenny University Hospital last night following an incident at his home in Carrickcoyle, Doire Beag in Gaoth Dobhair on Sunday morning.
Mr Burns was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.
His grandson, Derek Mulligan, has appeared in court charged in connection with the incident.
The 36-year-old initially appeared at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court yesterday evening.
He was charged that on 17 December, 2023 at Carraig Mhic Giolla Chomhaill, Doirí Beaga, Gaoth Dobhair in the district area of An Clochan Liath, he did intentionally or recklessly cause serious harm to Derek Burns.
The charge is Contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
Judge Alan Mitchell was told that the 36-year-old man faces a total of five charges.
Detective Garda Paul Dolan gave evidence of arresting and charging the accused man.
Having arrested Mr Mulligan, Detective Dolan said the accused made no reply.
The accused is also charged on the same date and place for cause criminal damage to a red Nissan Quashqai.
Mr Mulligan, of Machaire Chlochair, An Bun Beag is also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a person known to him.
On the same date and location, he is also charged with assaulting another person known to him.
He is also charged with the assault of a third person on the same date and at the same location.
Solicitor for the accused, Mr Rory O'Brien, said there would be no application for bail.
He asked Judge Mitchell to adjourn the case by videolink to this morning's sitting of An Fál Carrach District Court.
He also asked that Mr Mulligan receive psychiatric care while in hospital and that he should be immediately evaluated by a psychiatrist.
Mr Mulligan appeared by videolink for a brief hearing before Judge Mitchell again today at Letterkenny District Court.
The case was adjourned to Letterkenny District Court to 8 January, 2024 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
