Man acquitted of murdering his elderly father is returned to Central Mental Hospital

A 35-year-old man from Claremorris in County Mayo has been remanded to the Central Mental Hospital following his acquittal on a charge of murder at the Central Criminal Court. The defendant had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the alleged murder of his father, a 70-year-old farmer, at their home in June 2012. A jury unanimously returned a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity last week. Evidence heard during the trial indicated the defendant had been diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia. Consultant forensic psychiatrists who assessed him stated he had experienced significant psychotic symptoms and had made progress since his psychiatric admission, though ongoing clinical concerns remained. Mr Justice Paul Carney accepted psychiatric recommendations and ordered the defendant's return to the Central Mental Hospital, where he will continue specialist care and a rehabilitation programme.