Courts / Waterford / Report

Family of psychiatric patient describe shock at manner of her death

Date
2016-11-14

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

The family of Maria O'Brien, a 55‑year‑old patient at St Otteran's Hospital, expressed shock at her death after she was stabbed more than 100 times by Paul Cuddihy, a 38‑year‑old man with paranoid schizophrenia. Cuddihy, who had been found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of O'Brien on 5 September 2014, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for ongoing treatment. O'Brien's son, Patrick Halley, described her as a bubbly, kind‑hearted person who loved her children and whose last words to Cuddihy were "remember the children." O'Brien's brother, Joe O'Mahony, spoke of the trauma of learning she had cried out for help and pleaded with her killer to stop. Dr Damian Mohan, a forensic psychiatrist, confirmed that Cuddihy remains ill, shows little remorse, and has not accepted his need for help. Justice Patrick McCarthy committed Cuddihy to the Central Mental Hospital under Section 5(2) of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Family of psychiatric patient describe shock at manner of her death. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When: