Camden Konopka given suspended sentence for attempted murder

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Camden Konopka was given a 10-year sentence for attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court on 31 July 2024, with the balance suspended for 10 years. Mr Justice Tony Hunt backdated the sentence to May 2020 and placed Konopka under Nua Healthcare Services supervision for the suspended period.

Konopka entered guilty pleas to attempting to murder Fiona Konopka and causing criminal damage with the intention of endangering life. Both offences occurred at Coille Dios, Athboy, Co Meath, on 19 September 2019.

He must reside at a location supervised by Nua Healthcare, follow its directions and requirements, and take his medication. Leaving without notifying staff or failing to take medication would breach his bond. He was also ordered not to contact his mother directly for life unless she resumes communication through appropriate channels.

The court heard that the fire caused €60,289.47 damage. Konopka told gardaí he had consumed opium poppy, taken about 40 antidepressant tablets and drunk wine while feeling suicidal, and said he was paranoid and hearing voices. He also said he locked the door while leaving to try to lock his mother in.

Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC said Konopka had long-standing psychiatric difficulties and had compromised his treatment by taking drugs. The proceedings were reported on 31 July 2024.