Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Jury deliberating in trial of autistic man accused of trying to murder sister
Summary
The jury has begun deliberating in the trial of Daniel O'Connell, a 33‑year‑old autistic man from Kilkenny, who is charged with attempting to murder his pregnant sister, Olivia O'Connell, in Dublin. O'Connell pleaded not guilty. He admitted during Garda interviews that on 25 April 2016 he stabbed Olivia several times in her home at Scholarstown Park, Knocklyon, Dublin, claiming he wanted to prevent her from raising her child in Dublin. The Central Criminal Court heard closing speeches from the prosecution and defence. Prosecutor Michael Bowman SC argued that the facts admitted by O'Connell made the defendant's state of mind the key issue, and that both sides' doctors agreed he suffered a mental disorder, supporting a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Defence counsel Vincent Heneghan SC agreed and urged the same verdict. Judge Paul Butler expressed sympathy for the victim and told the jury that a unanimous verdict should be achievable.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of autistic man accused of trying to murder sister. 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: Not guilty by reason of insanity
When:
- April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-10-12 Publication
Why: Michael Bowman SC, prosecuting, said that, because the facts of the case were admitted, Mr O'Connell's 'state of mind is where the true battleground in this case lies'. CNI source report
Case subjects
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: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity
Places mentioned
- Scholarstown Park
- Scholarstown Road
- Dublin. The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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