Family of Jason Corbett begin court battle to bring his children back to Ireland
A custody battle between the legal guardians of two Irish-born children and their stepmother who is a suspect in the father's death is underway in America.
The result of today's custody hearing, which began in a North Carolina courthouse at (2pm Irish time), could determine whether or not Jack Corbett, 10 and his sister Sarah, 8 are allowed immediately return to their native Limerick with their aunt Tracey Lynch and her husband David.
Mr and Mrs Lynch were made the children's legal guardian by their father Jason Corbett prior to his death.
Mr Corbett, 39, who moved to North Carolina four years ago with his children, was found dead in his home which he shared with his second wife Molly Martens on August 2.
The father of two, whose first wife Mags -- the mother of his two children -- died from an asthma attack, was discovered by police with critical head injuries following an alleged domestic incident at the home.
It is understood other members of Ms Martens family were in the house at the time Mr Corbett died.
Police said Ms Martens (aged 31) and her father Thomas (aged 65) voluntarily accompanied police to provide statements.
Clothes belonging to the father and daughter, as well as a number of implements, were removed from the house by police for forensic examination.
Mr Corbett's remains have been flown home to Limerick after the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust -- set up to help cover the costs of repatriating the bodies of Irish people who die abroad -- footed the bill.
Jason's twin brother, Wayne, said, bringing his brother back to Limerick "was of the the toughest things I had to do apart from telling my parents that (Jason) had passed away".
The Corbett's have spent tens of thousands of euro in travel, accommodation, and legal costs associated with fighting for custody of Jack and Sarah.
Jan O'Sullivan, the Minister for Education, has said that there is an "absolute willingness" by the Government to assist the family of the late Jason Corbett in their struggle.
Fianna Fáil TD, Willie O'Dea said US authorities are "violating the human rights" of the Corbett children and that they should be returned immediately to their blood relatives.
Limerick FC have also provided support to the family, with players promoting the Jason's Journey bank account which has been set up to provide funds for the Corbett's legal and travel bills.
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Relatives of Mr Corbett's deceased wife Mags have travelled to the States for today's hearing to provide support for his sister Tracey Lynch and her husband David.
Family friend, Mary Fitzpatrick, who helped organise the fundraising drive said the custody hearing got underway at 2pm this afternoon.
"We don't know how it is going yet," she said.
"I want to thank everyone who has donated to the fund. I also would like everyone who reads this to say a prayer for this family. They need our help," Ms Fitzpatrick added.
