Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Kilkenny man pleads not guilty to attempted murder by reason of insanity

Summary

Gerard Dowling, 40, of Kilkenny, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted murder, assault and knife possession against 60‑year‑old Simon Burke at Market Cross Shopping Centre on 13 July 2016. The Central Criminal Court trial opened with Denis Vaughan Buckley SC presenting forensic psychiatric reports that both prosecution and defence psychiatrists agreed Dowling suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was not taking medication at the time of the alleged assault. Buckley described Dowling's belief that voices in his head directed him to act, and that he could not refrain from striking Burke with a knife. Burke's partner tried to defend him with a handbag; Burke sustained knife injuries to his head but has fully recovered. If the jury finds Dowling insane, he will be committed to the Central Mental Hospital for assessment and treatment. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Kilkenny man pleads not guilty to attempted murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: attempted murder by reason of insanity. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• July 13, 2016 Incident
• 2017-10-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report