Jury hears that man who stabbed his mother to death did not have capacity to form intent

A forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that a 29-year-old Roscommon man lacked the capacity to form intent when he stabbed his mother to death due to mental disorder. Paul Henry, of Ardsallagh, Athlone Road, Roscommon, pleaded not guilty to murdering Ann Henry at Abbeystown, Ballyphesan on 17 September 2011 by reason of insanity. Dr Brenda Wright, a prosecution psychiatrist, testified that Mr Henry suffered from paranoid schizophrenia characterised by delusions concerning his mother. The court heard Mr Henry believed his mother intended to have him killed and that he would himself be killed if he did not act. Dr Wright stated that Mr Henry did not understand the nature of his actions and was unable to refrain from them. The trial at the Central Criminal Court continues.