A man (35) was remanded in custody for four weeks after he appeared in a Belfast court charged with murdering his mother.
The body of Maureen Lyttle (63), was found at her home in the north of the city on Sunday morning. She had suffered extensive head and chest injuries.
Her son, Seamus Lyttle, who lived at the same address in Richmond Square off the Cavehill Road, was charged with killing her.
The accused stood in the dock, wearing a forensic boiler suit, during a five-minute hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court.
Det Insp Alan Crockett told the court when he was charged the accused made no reply; the officer said he could connect him with the offence.
During cross examination by defence solicitor Noel Phoenix, Det Insp Crockett accepted that the defendant has been unwell.
He said: "He was assessed by a psychiatrist during interview and it would be fair to say the defendant has problems. The extent of these has still to be fully established."
Mr Lyttle was remanded in custody for four weeks until November 29th. Before he was led away, Mr Phoenix told the court: "The defendant has asked to express to his deep regret at what can only be considered a very tragic incident."