Courts / Mayo / Report

Intoxication led Mayo man to extremely violent acts, psychiatrist tells murder trial

Date
2017-07-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlebar

County
Mayo

Summary

A State forensic psychiatrist has told the Central Criminal Court that a Mayo man was voluntarily intoxicated when he killed two elderly brothers with special needs, causing him to behave in an extremely impulsive and violent manner. Dr Brenda Wright testified that the 30-year-old defendant, from Ballina, did not have a mental disorder in law at the time of the offences on 10th July 2013 in Castlebar. This contradicted evidence from a defence psychiatrist, who had argued the accused suffered from three mental disorders that diminished his responsibility. The defendant has admitted killing the brothers but pleaded not guilty to murder. Under cross-examination, Dr Wright acknowledged the accused had experienced significant anger and behavioural difficulties from early childhood, predating any substance use. She maintained, however, that personality disorders do not constitute mental disorders under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Intoxication led Mayo man to extremely violent acts, psychiatrist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. Procedural stage: trial

When:

10th July 2013 Other
2017-07-20 Publication

Why: However, she repeated her view that a personality disorder was not a mental disorder under the Act because it didn't impair capacity. CNI source report