Appropriate for jury to consider diminished responsibility, psychiatrists tell murder trial

Two forensic psychiatrists have testified at the Central Criminal Court that a jury should consider whether a man's criminal responsibility was diminished when he allegedly stabbed a 24-year-old County Mayo man. Matusz Batiuk, a 33-year-old Polish national formerly of Carrabeg Estate, Swinford, is charged with murder in relation to an incident on 16 November 2020. Dr Jamie Walsh told the court that Mr Batiuk suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, which was likely active at the time of the stabbing. The accused has pleaded not guilty. Dr Walsh outlined a lengthy history of psychiatric contact, including diagnoses of schizophrenia, cannabis misuse, and persecutory delusions. Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant forensic psychiatrist, similarly concluded that evidence strongly suggested Mr Batiuk was experiencing active psychotic illness and delusions in the period before the incident. Both psychiatrists confirmed it would be appropriate for the jury to consider diminished responsibility. The trial before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring continues with closing speeches.