Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused searched "not guilty by reason of insanity" on his computer before stabbing sister, trial hears

Date
2017-10-11

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Daniel O'Connell, 33, an autistic man, is charged with attempting to murder his pregnant sister, Olivia O'Connell. He pleaded not guilty and the jury may find him 'not guilty by reason of insanity'. O'Connell admitted during Garda interviews that he stabbed Olivia on 25 April 2016 in her Dublin home, claiming he wanted her to avoid raising her child in Dublin. Garda Niall Russell informed the Central Criminal Court that O'Connell's computer was searched during the investigation. Russell reported 17 searches for 'murder suicide' between January and 13 April 2016, a February 29 search for a case where a man was found not guilty by reason of insanity, 12 searches for general killings between 9 January and April, and searches for 'jugular vein' and 'wrist' three days before the incident. The prosecution has closed its case; the defence has called a consultant psychiatrist. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of six men and six women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused searched "not guilty by reason of insanity" on his computer before stabbing sister, trial hears. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Olivia O'Connell in a case, where the jury may find him 'not guilty by reason of insanity'. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When:

April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
April 13, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
February 29 2016 Other
April 2016 Incident
2017-10-11 Publication

Case subjects

Daniel O'Connell

Defendant

Charges: the attempted murder of Olivia O'Connell in a case, where the jury may find him 'not guilty by reason of insanity' (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted