Courts / Sligo / Report

Man pleads not guilty to Sligo murder by reason of insanity

Date
2019-07-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

Richard McLaughlin, 32, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court for the alleged murder of Jimmy 'James' Loughlin, 20, at Connolly Street, Sligo, on February 24, 2018. McLaughlin pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity when arraigned before a jury. The prosecution, led by Fiona Murphy SC, stated that the accused admitted to attacking the deceased with a crowbar in a "vicious manner" which resulted in his death. The sole issue for the jury is whether McLaughlin possessed the necessary mental element to commit the murder. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC admitted that McLaughlin committed the acts causing Mr Loughlin's death and that the deceased was entirely innocent. Grehan further stated that any thoughts McLaughlin had about the victim were "delusions coming from his mind" with "no truth whatsoever." The prosecution indicated that two consultant psychiatrists and a garda will provide evidence regarding the accused's mental state and the circumstances of the incident. The trial is presided over by Ms Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury of eight men and four women. The matter is ongoing, with the trial expected to last up to two days.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man pleads not guilty to Sligo murder by reason of insanity. Charges or matters: murdering Jimmy 'James' Loughlin (20) at Connolly Street in the city on February 24, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When: