Courts / Mayo / Report

Mayo man found not guilty of murdering his elderly father by reason of insanity

Date
2014-05-30

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Claremorris

County
Mayo

Summary

John Biggins, 35, of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his father, Thomas Biggins, 70, at their home on May 6, 2012. The Central Criminal Court jury returned a unanimous verdict after 27 minutes of deliberation. Biggins had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard that Biggins was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and mild intellectual disability. Defence psychiatrists testified that he met the criteria under the Mental Insanity Act, citing psychotic symptoms and paranoid delusions. Prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC requested an order to commit Biggins to the Central Mental Hospital, with a return date set for the following Wednesday to appear before the court. Mr Justice Paul Carney thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for life. Evidence indicated Biggins shot his father twice with a legally held shotgun. After the incident, Biggins rang 999, told Garda Mark Kilbride he was turning himself in, and drove to Ballinrobe Garda Station, where he was cooperative. Detective Sergeant James Carroll described the post-event behavior as "quite bizarre," noting Biggins stated, "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." The matter was adjourned for the proposed disposal hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mayo man found not guilty of murdering his elderly father by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 6, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
July 26, 2012 Other
May 3 Other
May 6 Other
2014-05-30 Publication

Why: Dr O' Connell said he had a psychotic urge to shoot his father in order to go to prison. CNI source report

Case subjects

John Biggins

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Det Sgt Carroll agreed the behaviour after the event was "quite bizarre" and the accused said immediately afterwards "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." He said the accused rang 999 and spoke to Garda Mark Kilbride telling him: "Hello garda, I'm turning myself in, I shot my father." The accused then drove to Ballinrobe Garda Station and handed himself in where he was co-operative throughout his detention.