Courts / Dublin / Report

Autistic man cleared of trying to murder pregnant sister is committed to Central Mental Hospital

Date
2017-10-23

Stage
Finding

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

An autistic 33‑year‑old man from Kilkenny, Daniel O'Connell, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after attempting to murder his pregnant sister, Olivia O'Connell, in Dublin. The Central Criminal Court judge, Mr Justice Paul Butler, ordered his commitment to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) for 14 days under the Insanity Act. The order followed a jury's special verdict and a forensic psychiatric report by Dr Anthony Kearns, who confirmed that O'Connell's autism constituted a mental disorder that negated his capacity to form the necessary intent. The judge noted a bed was available at CMH and, after reviewing the report, made the commitment. O'Connell was taken to CMH by staff, accompanied by his family, and will receive inpatient care for his disorder. The case was heard in 2017, with the trial detailing O'Connell's preparation, motive, and the violent attack on his sister, who survived after a struggle.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Autistic man cleared of trying to murder pregnant sister is committed to Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: her attempted murder on April 25, 2016 at Scholarstown Park, Scholarstown Road, Knocklyon. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

April 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-10-23 Publication

Why: He said he wanted to kill his sister 'because she was carrying a Dublin baby'. CNI source report

Case subjects

Daniel O'Connell

Defendant

Charges: her attempted murder on April 25, 2016 at Scholarstown Park, Scholarstown Road, Knocklyon (Alleged Or Contested)

Finding: Not guilty by reason of insanity

Outcome: Not guilty by reason of insanity; Mr Justice Paul Butler had remanded him to the hospital for the required 14 days under the Insanity Act.