Courts / Dublin / Report
Pensioner accused of ramming Trinity gates pleads not guilty by reason of insanity
Summary
A 69‑year‑old man, John Farrell, was charged with criminal damage and road traffic offences after driving a Mercedes through Trinity College's front gates on 2 April 2014, causing damage worth over €33,000. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard that Farrell had a history of bipolar disorder and hyper‑mania, and a psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital confirmed that his behaviour on the day met the legal definition of insanity. Farrell denied the five counts of criminal damage, four counts of endangerment, three counts of dangerous driving and two counts of failing to stop after a collision. He was arrested shortly after the incident, was taken to Pearse Street Garda Station, and later committed to a psychiatric unit. The trial was scheduled to continue with a jury hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pensioner accused of ramming Trinity gates pleads not guilty by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: criminal damage and road traffic offences by reason of insanity at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2, 2014 Incident
- 2017-07-05 Publication
Why: The examining doctor said Mr Farrell had a mental illness that could make him a danger to himself and others, and that he needed treatment because he was ill. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: criminal damage and road traffic offences by reason of insanity at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Fassaugh Road
- Dublin
- Central Mental Hospital
- Grafton Street
- Nassau Street
- Dawson Street
- brought to Pearse Street Garda Station
- Pearse Street
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request