Courts / Cavan / Report
Wife of man accused of murdering fellow psychiatric patient tells court her husband was in a "dark place"
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, the wife of Ian Harman (50), from Carrickallen, Co Cavan, testified that her husband had been in a "dark place" and drinking heavily before his admission to a psychiatric unit. Harman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Treanor (82), from Co Monaghan, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. Mary Harman described her husband as "loveable" and well-liked in the community, though he had previously received treatment for depression and alcohol misuse. The court heard that on the day before the alleged killing, Harman complained of insomnia and paced his ward for twelve hours. CCTV footage showed him continuously walking around the secure unit. State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy concluded the cause of death was asphyxia by smothering or suffocation. The defence has acknowledged that Harman caused Treanor's death. The trial before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Wife of man accused of murdering fellow psychiatric patient tells court her husband was in a "dark place". Charges or matters: the murder of Michael Treanor (82) at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital, Lisdarn, Co Cavan, on June 27, 2011. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 27, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-07-11 Publication
Why: " On the morning of the alleged killing, Mr Harman said he asked for a sleeping tablet at "around three or 4am" but was refused because it was "too late". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Michael Treanor (82) at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital, Lisdarn, Co Cavan, on June 27, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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