Accused who "smashed man's head in with crowbar" meets insanity criteria, psychiatrist says

A consultant forensic psychiatrist has testified at the Central Criminal Court that a man accused of murder in Sligo meets the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The 32-year-old defendant is charged with the death of a 20-year-old man at Connolly Street in February 2018. Evidence heard indicated the accused attacked the deceased with a crowbar following what gardaí described as a sudden and violent assault. The psychiatrist stated the accused was suffering from schizophrenia at the time and held delusional beliefs about the victim, which had no factual basis. The expert concluded the accused could not appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions and was unable to refrain from committing them. The defence has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial continues before Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury.