Hi °C | Lo °C A TEENAGE GAA star charged with his father's murder ordered a gun via a New Year's Day text message to a friend, a court has been told.
Sean Hackett has been granted temporary release from prison to attend the funeral today of his father -- despite opposition from police and the North's prosecution service.
He will be chaperoned by Tyrone boss Mickey Harte and his solicitor, Adrian O'Kane, throughout the Requiem Mass in Augher, Co Tyrone.
The 18-year-old -- who captained the county's minor team last year -- appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering his father, Aloysius Hackett.
The court heard how the accused, from Aghindarragh Road in Augher, had admitted to police that he shot his 60-year-old father at the family home on Friday night.
The court heard that he sent a text to a friend to borrow a gun which was used in the incident involving his father.
Police said they have been unable to establish a motive for the killing.
It has also emerged that Hackett, who suffers from depression, had allegedly tried to strangle his mother three months earlier.
Yesterday the High Court rejected an appeal against releasing Hackett for the funeral. The hearing was attended by family members and Mr Harte, who told the court he agreed to accompany the accused at all times.
Aloysius Hackett was found dead at his home shortly before midnight last Friday.
Omagh Magistrates' Court heard that paramedics found him face up in the back yard. Police found his son, Sean, at a neighbour's house. The teenager initially told officers that he had found his father's body after returning from a night out.
District judge Bernie Kelly agreed to a request for compassionate bail so that he could attend today's funeral.
hnews@herald.ie
