Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Mentally ill man who stabbed stranger in the head is committed to the Central Mental Hospital

Summary

Gerard Dowling, 40, of Kilkenny, was committed to the Central Mental Hospital after stabbing 60‑year‑old Simon Bourke in a shopping centre. He was charged with attempted murder, assault and knife possession. A jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity on all charges. Justice Paul McDermott said the CMH is the appropriate place for his ongoing treatment and that his committal is necessary for his safety and that of others. Dr Paul O'Connell noted Dowling's poor insight into his illness and difficulty with medication, and that his treatment will take some time.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mentally ill man who stabbed stranger in the head is committed to the Central Mental Hospital. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of 60-year-old Simon Bourke at Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny City on July 13, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 13, 2016 Incident
• 2017-11-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report