National court archive ยท 2026-03-23
Man pleads not guilty to murdering grandfather in Donegal Gaeltacht
At a glance
- Crime
- murdering his grandfather
- People
- Derek Mulligan, Derek Burns, Patricia McLaughlin SC, Dr Ronan Mullaney, Dr Stephen Monks, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon
- Locations
- Carrickcoyle, Derrybeg, Gweedore, Co Donegal, Carrickmacafferty, Letterkenny
- Court
- Central Criminal Court
- Outcome
- pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity
Summary
Derek Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his grandfather Derek Burns in Carrickcoyle, Donegal, in December 2023. Prosecuting counsel told the trial that State and defence psychiatrists agree Mulligan was suffering from a mental disorder when the killing occurred. The trial also concerns alleged property damage, threats and assaults on the same date, and continues before a judge and jury.
Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie