Courts / Wicklow / Report

Man admits trying to murder four children

Summary

Stephen Harnett, a man in his 30s from Wicklow, pleaded guilty to four attempted murder charges involving young children. On 3 June 2016, he tried to strangle two children, leaving them when he believed they were dead, and then attacked two more who fought back and escaped through a window. One child was unconscious and air‑lifted to hospital; the others had purple faces and bulging eyes. Harnett admitted guilt to each charge and was remanded in custody after a brief hearing before Mr Justice Michael White at the Central Criminal Court. His counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, noted a history of depression that might reduce responsibility but not to the extent of insanity, and requested bail to allow a psychiatrist to complete a report. The judge denied bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, and remanded Harnett in custody. Family members were present and tearfully hugged him before he was taken away by prison officers. Stephen Harnett was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man admits trying to murder four children. Charges or matters: four attempted murder charges "of the most serious nature". Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• June 3, 2016 Adjournment
• 2018-07-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report