Courts / Mayo / Report

Man acquitted of murdering his elderly father is returned to Central Mental Hospital

Date
2014-06-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Claremorris

County
Mayo

Summary

John Biggins, a 35-year-old man from Claremorris, County Mayo, was ordered by the Central Criminal Court to return to the Central Mental Hospital following his acquittal. Biggins had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Thomas Biggins, who was shot twice with a shotgun at their home in May 2012. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after a two-day trial. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Sally Lenihan testified that Biggins, who has chronic schizophrenia, has made good progress in rehabilitation but requires ongoing specialist care. She recommended his return to the hospital, a recommendation accepted by Mr Justice Paul Carney. Defence expert Dr Paul O'Connell had previously stated that Biggins suffered from psychotic symptoms and paranoid delusions, fulfilling criteria under the Mental Insanity Act. The court noted that Biggins was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and mild intellectual disability. The judge issued the order based on the psychiatric recommendations, ensuring the defendant continues to receive the necessary specialist treatment for his condition.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man acquitted of murdering his elderly father is returned to Central Mental Hospital. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 6, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
October 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
May 31 Hearing Or Sentence
July 26, 2012 Other
2014-06-04 Publication

Why: The psychiatrist said he was in need of specialist care because of his illness and recommended that he return to the Central Mental Hospital. CNI source report