National court archive · 2026-03-25

Murder accused told doctors that release of abuser Michael Ferry caused him to 'spiral'

At a glance

Crime
murder
People
Michael Ferry, Derek Mulligan, Derek Burns, Dr Ronan Mullaney, Dr Stephen Monks, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon
Locations
Carrickcoyle, Derrybeg, Gweedore, Co Donegal, Donegal Gaeltacht, Sligo, Cork, Letterkenny, Dublin, Carrickmacafferty
Court
Central Criminal Court
Outcome
The trial continues tomorrow

Summary

Two psychiatrists told the Central Criminal Court that Derek Mulligan was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when he caused fatal injuries to his grandfather Derek Burns. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder, while the court also heard evidence that the release of Michael Ferry had caused him to ‘spiral’; the trial continues.

Read the original CNI report

Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie