Murder accused believed wife was 'possessed by serpent', psychiatrists tell jury

Two consultant psychiatrists have testified at the Central Criminal Court that a man accused of killing and decapacitating his wife was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis at the time of the alleged offence. Dr Brenda Wright and Dr Mark Joint told the jury that the accused believed his wife was possessed by a serpent and posed a mortal threat to him. Both experts concluded that the accused did not understand the nature of his actions and was unaware they were unlawful due to his mental disorder, as defined under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The accused, aged thirty-five, has pleaded not guilty to murder in connection with events at Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin, on 4 November 2021. Closing speeches from both defence and prosecution counsel were delivered today, with both parties directing the jury toward a not guilty verdict by reason of insanity. The judge began charging the jury, which will commence deliberations tomorrow.