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Woman who blinded man in one eye in scissors attack not guilty by reason of insanity
Summary
Patricia Fortune, 35, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after she attacked Sean Hogan with scissors, leaving him blind in one eye. The incident occurred on 28 May 2013 at the Granby Centre, a Dublin homeless shelter for people with mental health issues. Fortune pleaded not guilty to one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. The jury, after hearing psychiatric evidence, returned a verdict in 21 minutes. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case to 1 November to allow for an assessment of Fortune's future care. Prosecutor Ronan Kennedy argued that while there was no dispute that Fortune carried out the assault, the key issue was her mental state at the time. The court heard that Fortune had a long history of violence and severe epilepsy, with an IQ of 68, and that she had an organic personality disorder linked to her epileptic condition.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who blinded man in one eye in scissors attack not guilty by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Sean Hogan on May 28, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 28, 2013 Incident
- November 1 Adjournment
- 2016-10-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Sean Hogan on May 28, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the case for mention to November 1 next to allow for an assessment of Ms Fortune to determine how she should be cared for in the future.
Places mentioned
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