Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Autistic man tried to kill sister because she was carrying "Dublin baby", jury hears
Summary
Daniel O'Connell, 33, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of his sister, Olivia O'Connell. Prosecutors allege that on April 25, 2016, O'Connell stabbed Ms. O'Connell, who was 26 and a half weeks pregnant and suffering from chemotherapy effects, three to four times in the back at her home in Knocklyon, Dublin. The prosecution contends the attack was premeditated, driven by O'Connell's alleged pathological dislike of Dublin and his desire to prevent her from raising a child there. Evidence presented includes O'Connell's admission to Gardaí that he intended to kill her, describing the incident as a "failed murder suicide." He allegedly carried a hammer and duct tape to subdue her and was found wearing latex gloves to hide fingerprints. Ms. O'Connell escaped to a neighbor's house, where she was treated for her injuries; the child was later born healthy. The jury has been informed that not guilty by reason of insanity is an available verdict, with expert psychiatric evidence expected from both sides. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Autistic man tried to kill sister because she was carrying "Dublin baby", jury hears. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Olivia O'Connell, who was also suffering the effects of chemotherapy at the time. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-10-10 Publication
Why: He explained that Ms O'Connell was 26 and a half weeks pregnant when her younger brother arrived at her house unexpectedly that afternoon. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the attempted murder of Olivia O'Connell, who was also suffering the effects of chemotherapy at the time (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Scholarstown Park
- Scholarstown Road
- Central Criminal Court
- was taken to Rathfarnham Garda Station
- Rathfarnham
- St Luke's Hospital
Topics
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