The wife of a Dublin man who killed her son says she has forgiven him for what he did - but says it will never be forgotten.

Earlier this month, David Mahon was convicted of stabbing Dean Fitzpatrick to death outside his apartment at Northern Cross in May 2013.

Mr Mahon has been in custody since his conviction on May 6th and he was brought back to court today for his sentence hearing.

The 45-year-old admitted holding the knife that caused Dean Fitzpatrick’s death three years ago, but claimed his stepson walked onto the blade.

Dean’s sister Amy has not been seen since she went missing in Spain in 2008. They had moved there with their mother Audrey and Mr Mahon.

In his victim impact statement, Dean’s father Christopher said his world came crashing down once again when he learned of his son’s death.

He said no words could describe the anger, pain and despair he feels.

Audrey said her life is now a living nightmare, but she said she forgives her husband for what he did and does not think she is strong enough to cope without him.

Mr Mahon’s barrister asked for leniency, describing the offence as on the lower end of the scale of seriousness.

A sentence will be handed down on Monday week.