Courts / Waterford / Report

Psychiatric nurse "feared for his life" during attack, trial hears

Date
2016-11-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court murder trial, Paul Cuddihy, 38, a former resident of St Otteran's psychiatric unit in Waterford, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Maria O'Brien, 55, on 5 September 2014. He also faced charges of serious harm to nurse Breda Fennelly and assault causing harm to nurses Mary Grant and Terry Hayes, and to fellow resident Mary Nugent. Cuddihy claimed he was in a psychotic episode when he attacked residents and nurses, including Hayes, who said he feared for his life as Cuddihy lunged at him and continued the assault outside. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell reported that Cuddihy has a 20‑year history of mental illness, including paranoid schizophrenia, and that his medication levels varied. O'Connell said Cuddihy's judgment was grossly impaired, preventing him from understanding the wrongness of his actions. The trial will proceed before a jury of seven women and five men, presided over by Justice Patrick McCarthy.