A man has been charged with storing his deceased father’s head in a freezer at his family’s home.
John Garrett O’Sullivan, 55, of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, has been charged with attempting to prevent the lawful burial of his father, Noel O’Sullivan, 86.
Londonderry Magistrates’ Court heard the pensioner’s remains were found in the living room of the house on Culmore Road in Londonderry, wrapped in plastic sheeting and a duvet.
Mental Health
His head was placed inside an open fridge freezer while the rest of his body lay on the floor next to the open door of another freezer.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer remanded Mr O’Sullivan in custody because he expressed concerns about his mental health.
Mr O’Sullivan, who is unemployed but has a doctorate in electrical engineering, appeared via video link from a police custody room.
Autopsy is inconclusive
O’Sullivan, who lived in the family home with his father, although sometimes staying in the garage, spoke briefly during the hearing to confirm his date of birth and that he understood the charge he faced.
He is accused of attempting to prevent his father’s legal and decent burial on dates between July 1 and 17.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, but was later rearrested for attempting to prevent a lawful burial.
The court heard that the results of his father’s autopsy were “inconclusive”.
Mr O’Sullivan was refused bail and was remanded in custody.
He will appear before the same court, via video link, on August 15.
