A Dublin man awaiting trial for the murder of his wife's son has failed in his second attempt to travel abroad for a holiday.

David Mahon of Ongar Village in Clonsilla claims his wife needs to get away for a break and will not go without him.

Audrey Fitzpatrick was called to give evidence on her husband's behalf, and was quick to remind the court of their recent marriage when she replied "Audrey Mahon" after being asked to state her name.

Her 23-year-old son Dean was stabbed to death in an apartment in Dublin two years ago, and last year Mr Mahon was charged with his murder.

He has since travelled to Spain on bail to work on the ongoing search for Dean's sister Amy, who went missing in the Costa del Sol in January 2008.

Audrey told the court that dealing with the death of a son and the disappearance of a daughter has taken its loss on her mental health, and her doctor feels a holiday would do her good.

She pleaded with the judge to allow her husband travel with her because she cannot go on her own - but his application was refused due to garda concerns he may be a flight risk.

Mr Mahon is due to stand trial in April.