Courts / Dublin / Report
Attempted murder accused suffering from mental illness, psychiatrist tells trial
Summary
In the trial of 37‑year‑old Tomas Gajowniczek, who denies attempting to murder his partner Alicja Kalinowska by stuffing underwear in her mouth and striking her with a hammer, a psychiatrist for the defence, Dr Conor O'Neill, testified that the accused suffers from a delusional disorder. Dr O'Neill explained that this mental illness, as defined by the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act, prevented Gajowniczek from controlling his actions. He stated that Gajowniczek believed his partner was trying to poison him and his baby, a belief he described as delusional. The defence argued that the accused's symptoms had been present for months before the alleged assault, and that drug use, while possible, does not exclude a diagnosis of mental illness. The trial will continue before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Tomas Gajowniczek pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Attempted murder accused suffering from mental illness, psychiatrist tells trial. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of Alicja Kalinowska (30) at their home on June 16, 2016; intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kalinowska on the same date at the same location. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 16, 2016 Other
- 2018-04-19 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the attempted murder of Alicja Kalinowska (30) at their home on June 16, 2016; intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kalinowska on the same date at the same location (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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