Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Psychiatrists tell trial that attempted murder accused is entitled to verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity

Date
2017-10-11

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Kilkenny

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Daniel O'Connell, 33, pleaded not guilty to an attempted murder charge after stabbing his pregnant sister, Olivia O'Connell, in Dublin on 25 April 2016. O'Connell, an autistic man from Kilkenny, admitted to planning the attack and having intended to kill himself 12 days later. The prosecution presented evidence of his computer searches for terms such as 'murder suicide' and 'not guilty by reason of insanity' and testimony from Garda Niall Russell. Defence counsel Vincent Heneghan SC called Dr Paul O'Connell, a consultant psychiatrist, who argued that O'Connell's autism constituted a mental disorder under the Insanity Act and that his impaired judgment negated intent. Dr Anthony Kearns, also a forensic psychiatrist, concurred that the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was appropriate. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of twelve. Daniel O'Connell was acquitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Psychiatrists tell trial that attempted murder accused is entitled to verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Olivia O'Connell (now 42) when she was 26 and a half weeks pregnant and recovering from cancer. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Acquitted

When:

April 25, 2016 Other
January 2016 Other
April 13, 2016 Other
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 (now 42) when she was 26 and a half weeks pregnant and recovering from cancer (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted