Courts / Cork / Report

Complainant had "delusional psychotic disorder", doctor's sex assault trial hears

Date
2019-02-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Mallow

County
Cork

Summary

The trial of Dr Kevin Mulcahy, 61, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court involves his plea of not guilty to two counts of sexual assault against a teenage patient in Mallow, Co Cork, in 1995 and 1996. On the third day of the hearing, Dr Bobby Burns, an adult psychiatrist at St Stephen's Hospital, testified that he first met the complainant in August 2005 when she was transferred from the UK with acute delusional psychotic disorder. Burns said the woman later alleged assault by Mulcahy and that he advised her to discuss the allegations with another team member. Burns continued to treat her, diagnosing bipolar disorder and noting that her condition is now managed with medication. Burns stated that her illness did not influence her allegations, and under cross‑examination, the defendant acknowledged that the complainant once had delusions of being the mother of the baby Jesus, which disappeared when she became well.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Complainant had "delusional psychotic disorder", doctor's sex assault trial hears. Charges or matters: sexual assaulting a woman in his surgery in Mallow, Co Cork on a date in February 1995. Procedural stage: trial

When: