Courts / Cavan / Report
Closing speeches due in trial of man accused of murdering pensioner in psychiatric unit
Summary
Closing speeches are scheduled to take place in the trial of a man accused of murdering a pensioner at a psychiatric unit in Co. Cavan. Ian Harman, aged 50, of Carrickallen, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to the murder of Michael Treanor, aged 81, at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital on 27 June 2011. The defence has submitted that the accused accepts he caused the death but argues his responsibility was severely diminished due to akathisia, a condition allegedly resulting from the abrupt withdrawal of anti-psychotic medication while he was an inpatient. Expert witnesses for the defence have testified that this inner restlessness affected his mental state and behaviour. The prosecution's consultant psychiatrist disputed this assertion, stating there is no evidence that the medication's withdrawal causes akathisia. The court heard the trial is now in its final stages, with both legal teams due to present closing arguments.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Closing speeches due in trial of man accused of murdering pensioner in psychiatric unit. Charges or matters: murdering Michael Treanor (81) 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
- June 20, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-07-17 Publication
Why: The court was told that Mr Harman, who was originally from England, had been admitted to the unit because he had attempted suicide. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Michael Treanor (81) at the Psychiatric Unit of Cavan General Hospital, Lisdarn, Co Cavan on June 27, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cavan General Hospital
Topics
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